Let's break down Game 2 from all angles, then look ahead to a massive Game 3 in New York.

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Spurs star Victor Wembanyama admitted urgency got the better of him when he committed a late turnover in Friday's Game 2 loss, but he said he would use the frustration as fuel for the next game.

Jalen Brunson hit a go-ahead free throw with 9.5 seconds left after a turnover by Victor Wembanyama moments earlier, then Wembanyama missed a jumper at the end of New York's 105-104 win over the Spurs on Friday night for a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

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With the 2025-26 season almost over, minds are now turning to 2026-27, with the biggest clubs in world football releasing all their new kits for the campaign ahead. Some of the biggest sporting brands and football clubs around the globe have teamed up to produce some genuinelyoutstanding kits. The annual glut of new shirt releases always showcases the bestfootball culture and fashion has to offer because it's always more than just a football jersey. Kit manufacturers such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, and more vie for the attention of football fans by coming up with fresh looks every year, and the demand is such that there is always room for innovation. The bigger, the better. If you want a refresher on what was released last season, catch up with ourcomplete guide to all the 2025-26 football kits released. Whether it's a new direction in a futuristic, experimental style or a retro throwback effort, there is a vast array of options to choose from. 2026-27 Football Kits AC Milan: Home The 2026/27 AC Milan home kit restores the thick red and black stripes bold, wide, and unmistakable running across the full body of the jersey, both front and back, completed by the return of white shorts and black socks. A look that has always stood for itself. The stripes are the defining mark of AC Milan. Every detail reinforces that identity. The inscription From Milan to the World pays tribute to the millions of fans worldwide, capable of making the Club feel at home on every continent. On the back neck, a wax seal enshrines the Rossoneri crest: the essence of AC Milan, imprinted on every shirt as its authentic signature, a timeless passage handed down from parent to child. Arsenal: Home At its core, the 2025-26 Arsenal shirt stays true to the club's unmistakable identity, combining a rich red body with crisp white sleeves to deliver an instantly recognizable silhouette. The design features subtle visual references to the Emirates, including a bespoke crewneck collar inspired by the sweeping rooflines and subtle red patterning across the body, which adds depth and texture. Aston Villa: Home Aston Villa's new home kit for the 2026-27 season honors the clubs more unconventional claret and blue designs, which originated in the 1960s. Inspired by the kits from the archive from the 1960s to 2010s, the new design offers a clean and elegant look, creating a departure from the raglan-sleeved home kits that Villa have donned in the modern era, usually finished with gold detailing. Bayern Munich: Home Bayern Munichs new 2026-27 home kit marks a confident return to the club's traditional roots, prioritizing a classic Red and White identity. The primary design features a vibrant, deep red base characterized by subtle, tonal vertical stripes. These red-on-red stripes are woven into a textured jacquard fabric, providing a modern depth and structure to the jersey without compromising its iconic monochromatic silhouette. It also includes premium gold accents, a color choice that hasn't been a staple of the home kit since the early 2010s. To celebrate their 2025/26 Bundesliga title triumph, the kit includes a unique championship detail: a gold badge featuring the clubs cockatoo mascot, positioned centrally on the chest between the manufacturer logo and the club crest. Borussia Dortmund: Home The Borussia Dortmund 2026-27 home kit is a striking homage to the citys industrial soul. Moving away from simpler designs, Puma has crafted a jersey rooted in the steel, concrete, and ambition of the Ruhr region. The shirt retains the club's signature Yellow base but is defined by an intricate, tonal graphic pattern that covers the front and lower body. This geometric motif draws direct inspiration from the steel framework of the Minister Stein colliery and the lattice-like architecture of the legendary Dortmunder U-Tower, celebrating the city's heritage as it prepares to mark the 40th anniversary of the collierys closure. Celtic: Home The 2026-27 Celtic home kit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions, designed to honor the historical achievements of the team that brought the European Cup to Celtic Park. The jersey is a tribute to Celtic FC's most iconic 1966/67 season, and the local roots of the players who made the magic happen. The kit is adorned with gold details, including a special crest to celebrate 60 years since that legendary season. The overall aesthetic is clean and heritage-driven, deliberately echoing the simplicity of the Lisbon Lions era, while refined fabric textures and engineered ventilation zones are seamlessly integrated into the design. Chelsea: Home The Chelsea 2026-27 home kit is here, and following fan consultation, the club crest has been refreshed and interwoven proudly into the fabric on the front of the shirt. The Bright Blue fabric features a collar and button-down neck, with Midwest Gold accents for the rampant lion and Nike swoosh. The iconic rampant lion is a feature of the Chelsea badge following Ted Drakes arrival at the Blues 75 seasons ago, and its claw marks take center stage this year. Appearing on walls, beach murals and at concerts, a series of sightings around the world built noise beyond the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Inter Milan: Home The 2026-27 Inter Milan home kit is defined by a combination of Black and Lyon Blue colors, paying tribute to Inters historic 1998 shirt, while the University Gold detailing nods to the yellow of the Nike swoosh and the Club crest from that iconic kit. The reintroduction of the collar brings a touch of tradition back into a contemporary silhouette, while on the inside, the Inner Pride reads 'Made of Milano', a concept that highlights the unbreakable bond between Inter and the city. This concept is also reflected in the kits graphic details, with stripe edges finished in a style inspired by the cut of tailors scissors, a direct reference to Milanos tailoring and manufacturing tradition. Juventus: Home The Juventus 2026-27 home kit represents a bold return to the Sartorial Elegance that defined the club's most prestigious eras. Moving away from the experimental "barcode" patterns of the previous season, this kit focuses on a clean, uniform application of the iconic black and white vertical stripes. The design is anchored by a retro-inspired, fold-over polo collar in crisp white, which lends the jersey a tailored, high-fashion aesthetic intended to look as sharp on the streets of Turin as it does on the pitch at the Allianz Stadium. The defining characteristic of this years kit is the heavy use of Gold Metallic accents, replacing the pink highlights of the previous cycle. This shimmering gold is applied to the simplified Juventus 'J' crest, the Adidas performance logo, and the sponsor branding, creating a luxurious contrast against the monochrome base. Leeds United: Away The new 2026-27 away kit sees a comeback of the classic yellow base color, this time in a smart, but striking shade, which is complemented with night navy and white detailing, turning a renowned color palette into a modern masterpiece. The V-neck jersey is paired with navy shorts and yellow socks. It's also the first time that the Leeds United away kit features the iconic Adidas Originals trefoil logo and a return of a classic club badge, which was last seen in 1998. Liverpool: Home Inspired by the classic Adidas 1989-91 Liverpool FC home jersey, instantly recognizable for its dynamic geometric pattern, and worn during a successful period for the club, when Kenny Dalglishs side secured the 1989/90 league title. The new design celebrates a defining period in the clubs history. The deep red base is elevated through a contemporary all-over graphic, directly echoing the visual language of the late-80s original while introducing a sharper, modern execution. Clean white detailing across the Adidas logo, club crest and trims reinforces the classic aesthetic, while the reimagined all-over print channels the energy and attitude of 80s football culture. Manchester United: Home Inspired by the 1970s, the 2026-27 Manchester United kit has a clean red base that allows the iconic polo collar and striped cuffs to take center stage, bringing a refined and unmistakably United look back to the pitch. The collar execution, combined with subtle striping details, references the kits worn during the clubs Domestic Cup triumph in 1977 - marking the 50th anniversary of that historic moment. This connection to the past is balanced with a contemporary construction, creating a jersey that feels both nostalgic and progressive. White accents across the Adidas three stripes and branding provide a sharp contrast against the red base, while black detailing is integrated subtly throughout the design, reinforcing the clubs classic color palette. A 'United' sign-off on the back of the neck rounds off the look. Manchester City: Home Manchester Citys 2026-27 home kit breaks away from the traditional solid-tone approach to feature a distinct sky-blue gradient. Fading smoothly from a darker shade at the shoulders down to white at the bottom hem, the design is meant to represent a visual timeline of the various shades of sky blue the club has worn throughout its history. It is framed nicely by a crisp white collar and sleeve cuffs, and finished with a monochromatic, metallic silver club crest and matching sponsor branding to emphasize a theme of modern progression. Porto: Home Porto's home shirt is a modern interpretation of the Dragons classic identity. FC Porto and New Balance present a piece that will instantly resonate with any true Porto supporter, reflecting the clubs culture and tradition. Wide blue and white stripes, an embroidered crest, a V-neck collar, and red velvet numbers evoke the distinctive style of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Easily the most talked-about element of this kit is the player names and numbers on the back. To lean heavily into the 1980s aesthetic, New Balance brought back bold, red 3D block lettering. Complete with inset highlighting lines and a velvet-like textured finish. Porto: Away Porto's 2026-27 away kit features a deep purple base with soft cream detailing, creating a refined, elegant look. Subtle tonal striping is integrated into the fabric to add depth while maintaining a clean, classic silhouette. A monochromatic club crest enhances the modern aesthetic, while refined finishing touches reinforce the overall sense of precision. The design also reflects the journey of Port from the Douro Valley to a global stage, mirroring FC Portos own international presence. From material textures to construction, each element speaks to the citys reputation for quality and authenticity. PSG: Home The Paris Saint-Germain 2026/27 home kit marks a profound return to the fundamentals of Parisian design. For this iteration, Nike has moved away from the recent experiments with paintbrush effects and offset graphics to restore the legendary Hechter stripe to its full glory. The jersey features a vibrant Old Royal blue base, a lighter, more electric shade than the deep navy of previous years, anchored by a bold, wide central red stripe flanked by two crisp white lines. In a move that has delighted traditionalists, this iconic tri-chlor band now continues seamlessly onto the back of the shirt, creating a unified flow that mirrors the flags waved by the ultras at the Parc des Princes. Real Madrid: Home Built on the clubs iconic white base, the jersey brings together familiar foundations with refined textures and subtle accents, delivering a design that feels considered and modern while retaining the clarity that defines Real Madrid at home. Dark green accents frame the design across the collar and sleeve cuffs, which include intricate patterning across the fabric, taking inspiration from the geometry of diamonds and pearls found in the clubs crown, translating craftsmanship and excellence into a modern performance aesthetic. The Adidas three stripes on the shoulders feature an unexpected pop of pink, connecting the jersey to the wider seasonal identity while adding energy to the overall look. Reporting by GOAL.

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Lionel Messi is improving from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring and could play some minutes in the warmups before his team's World Cup debut on June 16.

Ive played in a World Cup and understand how the U.S. national team is preparing and what matters most. Theres one more game until the Americans tournament is underway against Paraguay on June 12, and it's important to go in with confidence. This time around, I have a different challenge. Ill be breaking down the USA throughout its journey through the 2026 World Cup, starting with a final tune-up game against Germany. Here are my keys to the game and a preview of what to expect from Germany and the USA. When looking at the German national team, the first names that come to mind are probably Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz or Joshua Kimmich. The player I'm watching out for in this game, though, is someone who can exploit a potential weakness in the U.S. defense. Sane is the player Im highlighting because it ties into what Im worried about with the United States. The former Manchester City star is a fast, left-footed winger who generally plays on the right side. He can dribble in either direction, cut in on his left foot or drag the ball toward the touchline. Tim Ream and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson on the left side of the U.S. defense will be defending Sane. When Robinson is high up the field and Germany gets the ball in transition, theres a chance youre going to have Sane against Tim in open space. After watching the friendly against Senegal, that wouldnt be ideal for this U.S. team. This will be less of an issue in the group stage of the World Cup for the United States against Paraguay, Australia and Trkiye. As you get into the knockout rounds, though, youre going to face players who are able to exploit that pace and potentially cause problems for Ream. Ream will be important in controlling buildouts for the U.S. team, but in the first 20 minutes against Senegal last Saturday, he had some uncharacteristic turnovers that led to dangerous chances. Additionally, there were a few moments when the ball went wide, and Ream wasnt immediately close enough. He did the right thing in that situation of delaying the attack and waiting for help, but his ability to defend wingers in dangerous positions will play a vital role in the tournament. Alex Freeman will look to build on his performance against Senegal and should find himself in more one-on-one moments out wide against Germany, as well. Im curious to see how Wes plays and how much of the game he can dictate. We know how good he is in attack, but can he be effective on both sides of the ball? Wes played the second half against Senegal after Pochettino made 10 changes at halftime. He did very well, especially defensively, showing a grit and leadership that came with wearing the captains armband for the second half. Wes is expected to start in the midfield next to Tyler Adams, who can cover a lot of ground defensively and potentially give him freedom to move forward. Still, against a team like Germany that can cause problems for the U.S. quickly in transition, my former U.S. teammate has to put in a strong shift on both ends of the field. I know he can do it, having played with the famous "MMA" midfield of Tyler, McKennie and Yunus Musah at the 2022 World Cup. Adams covered the middle of the pitch, while Wes and Yunus covered the rest of the midfield, all the way out to the sideline. This will be a good test against Germany entering the tournament. How well McKennie plays and how much of the game the American midfield can dictate will determine what the U.S. can get out of the game. The U.S. may need a different mentality against Germany compared with how it started against Senegal. The starting lineup played 45 minutes together before 10 substitutions at halftime. Mauricio Pochettino wants his team to press high up the field, and youre going to empty the tank when you know youre only going to play 45 minutes. I was very impressed with the compactness of the team against Senegal and hope we see that again against Germany. Offensively, there were so many positive combinations and goal-scoring opportunities from the attacking group in the previous match. Let's see if the team can continue to look dangerous against Germany. I'd expect well see more minutes from the starting XI against Germany to get the match fitness needed for the World Cup while also trying to stay safe and healthy. My assumption is for the starting XI to play at least 60 to 70 minutes in this one. Can the U.S. be as aggressive against Germany as it was against Senegal? The Americans are unlikely to have as much of the ball as they had in their first friendly. This matchup may require them to drop into a low block, sit back and defend more. If Pochettino starts with three center backs, as he did against Senegal, how does the U.S. drop back in defense? When they enter into a low block does it turn into a 5-4-1? Will the U.S. be content to concede space and possession? Im curious to see how the team sets up against a potential title contender. With that, can the U.S. find the right balance of attack and defense? Can the team say, "Hey, were not just going to be passive, can we go out there and be aggressive in the right moments?" Based on the Senegal game, I am expecting the Americans to at least try to be very aggressive in the first 10 or 15 minutes. Finding that balance will take a lot of maturity from both the coaching staff and players on the pitch. Im hopeful that we can find the right balance between pressing and sitting back against a team that will be considered a superior opponent. I think Germany will score a goal in transition. There are two things Im worried about with the U.S. in the World Cup, and they both have to do with its defense. The first one, as Ive already talked about, is how this team is going to defend in transition when the opposition is on a counterattack. Germany has players like Sane, Musiala and Wirtz who can cause trouble when given space and time on the ball. The other thing Im worried about which may not pertain to this game necessarily is how the U.S. will be able to play against a big-target striker. Thankfully, Germany doesnt have one of those, and defender Chris Richards would give the U.S. a different element in defense if hes fit. Against Senegal, some direct balls were played toward the U.S. defense that Mark McKenzie and Ream didnt handle smoothly. The addition of Richards should help in this area, and Im hoping we see a bit more control on that moving forward. Playing against a big striker will test this American backline both in holdup play and deep into the penalty box.

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Last Saturdays win over Senegal felt like a breath of fresh air for the United States mens national team. I could see it from the players as they walked on the field and out of the tunnel. Snoop Dogg was blaring in the stadium, and there was a positive and confident energy that the Americans need to maintain entering the World Cup. I could see it during the national anthem. Players were singing and focused instead of just having their hands on their heart. They were locked in, and I thought, "Wow, this is a team that looks ready for the World Cup regardless of the result of todays match." Heres what I learned from the win over Senegal. USA took that energy and intensity and used it on the pitch, using a system that required high pressing and a lot of movement. Its the style of play that head coach Mauricio Pochettino expects out of his squad, and its what he got from the start against Senegal. We saw basically two different teams between the two halves against Senegal with 10 changes being made at halftime. Sebastian Berhalter was the only starter to get minutes in the second half, of which, in my opinion, he did a fantastic job covering so much ground in midfield and being the work horse in the midfield. Both lineups looked good, but there were things that, of course, will need to be improved upon. The biggest challenge at the World Cup will be whether the USA can keep up that intensity for the full 90 minutes. Senegals first goal came in the final five minutes of the first half, and the Americans almost conceded again in the final five minutes of the second half. I was on the field for the game, and I could hear the U.S. coaching staff cursing in Spanish and pushing for the team to finish each half strong. "We're almost there.Push it. PUSH IT!Press. PRESSURE!" At that point, its about game management. A quality opponent is coming right at the USA looking for a goal late in the game. The keys there are being mentally focused to close out the game but also with intensity while sustaining the press that Pochettino wants. That's a good experience for the USA for the World Cup when the pressure on them to defend would be even higher. They need to know how to close out these games and be mentally, physically, emotionally locked in. Those final 5 minutes of halves are when games are won or lost. Christian Pulisic was able to shut up any press-conference questions about his goal drought. After more than six months without a goal for the national team, Pulisic followed up his assist on the USAs opening goal with a great finish that saw him round the goalkeeper and slot home the games second goal. Pulisic was well aware of his goal drought for the national team. He doesnt need to hear about it from journalists or analysts who are creating noise that he is very aware of. People know how important Christian is to this team and that he has to play well for the Americans to succeed this summer. This goal is now an opportunity for people to rally behind him going into the tournament. Every answer in the media from him was about how hes not letting the drought get to him and how goals will come. Pulisic told me after the match that the start to the match, two goals in the first 20 minutes, will help the team build confidence entering the final friendly against Germany and the tournament. The teams chemistry was on display for those two goals, with great movement on and off the ball. The start to the game, especially Pulisics goal, was perfect timing and a really positive moment for a player and team that needed it. Pepi and Balo. The United States' striking partnership shined against Senegal. Ricardo Pepi had an assist and a hand in the first goal in the first half, while Folarin "Balo" Balogun found the back of the net in the second. It started with Pepi, who got the start and played a part in both of the Americans early goals. His pass set Pulisic off down the left wing before Dest finished the move, and then he set Pulisic through on goal for the second. Pepi was confident on the ball, and his movement was very dynamic. He was able to open up spaces for players like Pulisic and Antonee Robinson on the left wing. We dont often see Pepi start, so thats going to help build his confidence as the World Cup approaches. And then Folarin Balogun came on for the second half. Hes a natural goalscorer and is so dangerous in and around the 18-yard box. He puts himself in really, really good positions. He got his goal and was a constant threat. Both strikers did what they needed to do. They both helped in attack and defense by pressing Senegals defense. Back in 2022, the striker position was a big question mark heading into the tournament. After the game against Senegal, it seems like a position of strength to continue to keep building on.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed his frustration after revealing that first-choice center back Chris Richards would miss the team's final friendly before the World Cup with an ankle injury.

For some football fans, the summer is the part of the calendar that they look forward to the most - and that's not just because it's filled by a World Cup every four years! Rather, it's because the end of the season means only one thing: It's time for transfers! The 2026 window is likely to once again be bust, with some huge names set to make big-money moves before deadline day on September 1. We know that some transfers turn out well for all parties involved, but there are plenty where at least one of the clubs, or even the player, are left wondering what might have been had they made a different decision while at the negotiating table. GOAL is here, then, to ensure you know who did the best out of every massive deal before the players have even been officially unveiled. Throughout the summer window, we will be grading every done deal as it happens, letting you track the big winners and losers of transfer season. June 5: Andy Robertson (Liverpool to Tottenham, free) For Liverpool: An emotional exit. Robertson easily ranks as one of the finest signings in the club's history, a key figure in the Jurgen Klopp era acquired for just 8 million from Hull City all the way back in 2017 and, in his pomp, was arguably the best left-back in the world. There's no denying, though, that age had begun to catch up with the 32-year-old - which is why Liverpool moved early to replace him by bringing in Milos Kerkez last summer, and would have even sold Robertson during the winter window had they been able to recall Kostas Tsimikas from Roma. The problem now, though, is that Kerkez still hasn't fully settled at Anfield, while it became painfully clear during a trying 2025-26 campaign for the Reds that Robertson's experience, tenacity and personality are going to be sorely missed on Merseyside. Indeed, the worry among the fanbase now is that Robertson's departure, along with that of Mohamed Salah, will only result in standards falling even further next season. For Tottenham: Still a surprising move. Spurs obviously tried to sign Robertson in January, but it was difficult to work out why exactly. The Tottenham squad may have been lacking in quality and depth in several areas of the pitch, but left-back wasn't really one of them. Ben Davies had just broken his ankle, of course, but Spurs still had Destiny Udogie and the versatile Djed Spence to choose from, while Brazilian teenager Souza had just arrived from Santos. The argument was that Robertson would have been an important addition to a dressing room in disarray - and he could certainly help new coach Roberto De Zerbi cultivate a new culture of 100 percent commitment within the squad. The fact that he's belatedly arriving on a free is a nice little bonus, but the feeling persists that Tottenham didn't necessarily need Robertson. For Robertson: A puzzling decision. One can understand why Robertson was willing to leave Liverpool in January. He'd been relegated to second-choice behind a player who wasn't performing particularly well and wanted regular Premier League football in the run-up to the World Cup - something Spurs were apparently willing to offer him. Robertson ultimately started more games in the second half of the season than he probably expected, meaning he's in decent shape as he heads off to North America, but there was never any chance of him staying at Anfield, because Liverpool didn't offer him an extension at any point. However, he did have options other than Spurs, with Juventus among those said to have been interested in signing the Scotland skipper. It's, thus, a little strange that he's decided to join a club that only barely avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season. However, Robertson may actually find Tottenham are a more attractive option now than they were in January, given De Zerbi is unquestionably capable of significantly improving Spurs over the summer. We're still not convinced, though, that Robertson will actually play much more in north London than he did at Liverpool last season. June 2: Ederson (Atalanta to Manchester United, 35m) For Atalanta: Yet another demonstration of their brilliant business model. Atalanta signed Ederson from Salernitana in 2022 for roughly 23m and could now almost double that fee if all add-ons are met by selling him to United after four years of fantastic service that included a historic Europa League success. There's no doubt that replacing the Brazilian will be difficult, but this is what Atalanta do: they unearth rough diamonds and then sell them on to the highest bidder a few seasons later. Remember, Atletico Madrid also wanted Ederson, but Atalanta stood firm on the fee and United ultimately agreed to pay what they were demanding for a player with just one year left on his contract. Just more excellent work from one of the best recruitment teams in the business. For United: A sensible signing from a club renowned for reckless recruitment. With Casemiro having bid a fond farewell to Old Trafford, United were in need of another midfielder, so they've gone for a like-for-like replacement by bringing in another Brazilian ball-winner who can also play. Ederson's stock has fallen somewhat over the course of the past year - which is why he's not in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad and Casemiro is. However, that arguably has a lot to do with Gian Piero Gasperini leaving Atalanta last summer, as Ederson was previously considered "the lynchpin" of the terrific team that dismantled Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final. Back then, Ederson was being linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, and if he can rediscover that form, he could form a formidable midfield partnership with Kobbie Mainoo - because while Ederson might not be as good as Casemiro was in his prime, he's a serious upgrade on Manuel Ugarte! For Ederson: The big move he's long deserved. Ederson has never hidden his interest in playing in the Premier League, and now he's going to get a chance to test himself in a championship that should suit his particular set of skills. Ederson is excellent when it comes to both reclaiming and maintaining possession, while he also poses a threat in the box. One could, of course, argue that he'd have been better of joining Diego Simeone's Atletico, but Michael Carrick was a fine defensive midfielder in his own right and, even more importantly, appears to have restored some stability at Old Trafford, which was previously considered a very dangerous destination for talented footballers hoping to take their game to the next level. As far as we're concerned, Ederson has everything to make a big impact at 'The Theatre of Dreams', which would undoubtedly go a long, long way towards getting him back into the Brazil squad. May 29: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle to Barcelona, 80m) For Newcastle: A telling change of approach. Newcastle fought tooth and nail to hold onto Alexander Isak last summer before belatedly allowing him to join Liverpool. Sad as it may seem, it would have been far better just to give in immediately and let him leave as soon as he handed in a transfer request, as the disruption caused by the striking Swede did Eddie Howe and his players no favours at all. Newcastle have, thus, moved quickly to offload another unsettled forward - and for a fantastic fee. Gordon is a hard-working, talented and versatile attacker - but he's never done anything for club or country to suggest that he's worth 69m. Of course, the challenge now for Newcastle is to invest the money wisely, because they completely wasted what they got for Isak, and attracting top talent isn't going to be any easier this summer. The Magpies can no longer offer Champions League football to potential new recruits, and their pathetic 12th-placed finish in the Premier League, coupled with Gordon's desire to follow Isak out the door at St. James' Park, proves that Newcastle are no longer a serious threat to England's elite under increasingly disinterested Saudi Arabian owners. For Barcelona: A really worrying sign. Barcelona haven't been in a position to spend big on players for some time now due to their well-documented issues adhering to La Liga's strict financial regulations, so it doesn't bode well that their first move after finally getting their house in order is to blow 80m on Gordon. The England international should certainly prove a useful addition. He can play pretty much anywhere across the front three and is a pressing machine - unlike Marcus Rashford - so it's easy to understand why Hansi Flick gave Gordon's arrival the green light. However, there's simply no getting away from the fact that Barca have overpaid. Granted, Gordon could have a good World Cup, thus casting the price in a more favourable light, while it's also been pointed out that the Scouser scored 10 times in this season's Champions League - but six of those goals came against Qarabag and Union Saint-Gilloise, and half from the penalty spot. Twelve goals in his last 60 Premier League appearances is a far better indicator of the kind of strike-rate Barca supporters should expect from their latest signing. So, while Gordon is more likely to give Flick what he wants from a winger, and he'll be on a smaller wage than Rashford, there was better value to be found elsewhere, suggesting Barca are back to having more money than sense. For Gordon: The stuff dreams are made of. Despite some seriously inconsistent performances in the Premier League, particularly over the past two years, Gordon has got the move to a big club that he's been clearly eyeing for some time now. He admitted himself that he had his head turned by previous links with hometown club Liverpool, whom he also supported as a boy, while it initially looked like he was going to join Bayern Munich this summer. However, the Bavarians understandably baulked at the asking price and therein lies the big challenge now facing Gordon. The possible arrival of Julian Alvarez would take a fair bit of attention away from the 25-year-old, but he'll still be under enormous pressure to justify his fee - because Barca haven't paid 80m for a bit-part player. Gordon's got to prove himself worthy of starting for a star-studded side, and that won't be easy. Just ask Rashford, who is now looking surplus to requirements at Camp Nou despite racking up a combined 28 goals and assists in his debut season at Barca. Still, Gordon can probably hardly believe his luck. He's going to go from playing with Anthony Elanga to lining up alongside Lamine Yamal!

A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News on Friday that the players on Iran's World Cup team have received visas that will allow them to enter and compete in the United States.

Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer, Javier "Chicharito" Hernndez, shared his prediction for El Tri ahead of this summer's FIFA World Cup. Appearing on a FOX Sports roundtable alongside former United States men's national team star Alexi Lalas and Canadian great Dwayne De Rosario, Hernndez didn't shy away from the never-ending drama surrounding Mexico's squad at this summer's 48-team tournament. Hernndezs bold vision for his country serves as the driving factor of a wide-ranging discussion between representatives from each host nation. Mexicos 'Soap Opera' Soccer Identity To understand the foundation of his bold forecast, you first have to look at the immense cultural clutter Hernandez had to tune out during his playing days. Mexicos soccer landscape has historically been trapped by its own desire for dramatic narratives, similar to the storylines in Mexican telenovelas. "Because of the soap operas, the culture that we are, we see ourselves only as the heroes or villains," Hernandez said. "They need to see you sweat, scream, fight for your country, giving it completely all." For Hernandez, breaking this cycle of extreme media theater is the crucial first step if Mexico wants to find success this summer. "The way that those things happen, then, instead of helping your own country, it's the other way around, it's unnecessary noise, pressure, or whatever you want to (call it) it, it's unnecessary," Hernandez said. Are The Expectations For Mexico Justified? Because Hernandez is predicting a historic performance, the fairness of public expectation remains a question mark. Lalas questioned if El Tri fans have unrealistic goals for the team. Hernandez flipped the script, clarifying that while demanding the best is fair, wanting to see a playing style that doesn't match the roster's current makeup is useless. "I don't need to be or have the same quality as you, but I can give the same results, so that puts the perspective and the expectations in (perspective). We don't have the same quality as Brazil. We're not gonna play the Jogo Bonito," Hernandez pointed out. "That's what Mexico (fans) always expect of you: play nice, play Tiki Taka, score 20 goals, defend, (don't concede) goals." Instead of chasing a superficial style similar to other nations, Hernandez insists fans must embrace not always being favored to win. "That's the beauty of sports. You can win games without being the best (in) the game," Hernandez added. Criticism Of Mexico's Style Of Play Faced with constant tactical backlash, critics and fans alike claim modern Mexican players are too fragile to handle public scrutiny. Hernandez rejected this idea, stating that the squad accepts fair evaluations but demands that fans stop comparing them to foreign heavyweights. "People think that when players come and say this is too much, or, 'they don't like criticism.' No, it's not about that. We are still Mexico, guys. I love my country till death, but we are still Mexico. We are not Italy," Hernandez stated bluntly. "We can still win in our way." To achieve his projected deep run, Mexico must maximize its own identity. "We need more realistic expectations," Hernandez said. "Focus on what you are good, like try to explore those qualities, and try to win games however you can win." The Power Of El Tris Fan Base While the relentless traveling crowd of El Tri fans used to infuriate Lalas, Hernandez views this fierce, borderless devotion as the ultimate superpower that will anchor his World Cup prediction. He shared an emotional memory from the 2018 tournament to illustrate the scale of the El Tri faithful. "In the World Cup in Russia, when we played against Germany, that's why I cried, and I was so emotional, because it's insane," Hernandez remembered. "We're in Moscow, playing against the actual world champions, and we were having a home game." De Rosario noted that Canada hopes to build that "12th man" energy, but Hernandez reminded him that Mexico commands home atmospheres anywhere in North America. "During one of the last games that I played (against Canada in Canada), I think it was in Vancouver... we were the home team, we were local," Hernandez said. Hernandez' Prediction: Dream Big Everything builds to the ultimate question: can Mexico finally shatter the quinto partido curse which is about reaching the quarterfinal game, aka the fifth game at a World Cup tournament which now means reaching the sexto partido (sixth game) in the new 48-team layout that includes an extra knockout round? Hernandez told Lalas he expects El Tri to top Group A (which includes South Korea, Czechia, and South Africa) and get past the round of 32. Then Lalas asked what would happen during the quarterfinals. "What we all want to see happen they go through," Hernandez replied. Lalas pressed him on reality versus hope. Hernandez differentiated the concept of staying stuck where you traditionally perform from failure. "In my country, they love to say, 'if we don't go to the quinto partido it's a failure,' it's not a failure. We've been used to do that. We still are. Qatar was a failure. You didn't go through group (stage). That's a failure, because we were used to (getting) to (the) round of 16," Hernandez explained. Despite a less than ideal cycle, Hernandez remains highly optimistic for El Tri, even when Lalas asked if he envisioned a dream scenario with Mexico reaching the final. "I'm a strong believer, I am Mexican, it feels better to hope for the best. Dream big," Hernandez admitted. "I love this phrase 'They (call) you crazy until it's done,' you know, 'delusional until it's done'... I know about some of the players that are there... they're going to do way better than a lot of people think, because why not?"

NASCAR Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett, a two-time Cup champion and longtime broadcaster, died peacefully Thursday of natural causes at his home in Newton, North Carolina, his family announced. He was 93.

Argentina has bitter memories of 1994, the last time the United States hosted the World Cup. After the second group stage match, national icon Diego Maradona was expelled from the tournament due to a positive doping test. Maradona would never play another World Cup match, and Argentina was eliminated in the round of 16. Thirty-two years later, the South American powerhouse is hoping for a happier ending for Maradonas heir, Lionel Messi, who is turning 39 this month and is widely expected to retire from international soccer after the curtain comes down on the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. If he and Argentina manage to keep the World Cup trophy they won four years ago in Qatar, they will become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1962. It would also strengthen the claim of those who already call Messi the greatest player of all time. "I love playing football and Im going to do it until I cant anymore," Messi told Argentine broadcast journalist Joaqun "Pollo" Alvarez in a YouTube interview. "Im competitive, I like to win at everything, I dont even let my kids win at video games sometimes. Its just my nature and what led me to achieve everything I have." After more than 20 years playing for Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, Messis body is showing signs of wear. A week ahead of what will be his record sixth World Cup, he is recovering from a hamstring problem that led to his substitution during Inter Miamis final match before the tournament on May 24. The Argentina captain worked out on his own at the team's base camp in Kansas City this week. "We all would have liked Messi to arrive without any problems, but thats not the case. Not only him, most of the players arent fully recovered yet," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni told DSports, a Latin American TV network. Fitness Concerns Goalkeeper Emiliano Martnez, hero of two penalty shootouts in 2022, including the final against France, suffered a fracture to the ring finger of his right hand during the Europa League final while playing for Aston Villa. Defender Cristian "Cuti" Romero is recovering from a knee injury he picked up in mid-April while playing for Tottenham. Right backs Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel are dealing with muscle injuries as is midfielder Leandro Paredes. Argentina, also champion in 1978 and 1986, will play its first group stage match on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Next up in Group J are Austria on June 22 and Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas. Scaloni is relying on 17 of the 26 players who won the World Cup in 2022, even though several are not in peak physical condition. "Why change them if they dont deserve that? Weve always been honest with them. The players who are here today have shown us they want to be here. And secondly, their level hasnt dropped," Scaloni said. Argentina won the Copa Amrica in 2024 and finished top of the South American World Cup qualifying group. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is key to Scalonis attack, while Barcelona, Arsenal, and PSG are reportedly vying for his signature for next season. The coach has also brought in three debutants: midfielder Valentin Barco, who recently signed for Chelsea, and forwards Nicolas Paz, a key player for Como in Italy, and Juan Manuel Lpez, the top scorer for Brazilian club Palmeiras. A notable absence compared to four years ago is Angel Di Maria, who retired from the national team in 2024. Besides Messi, he was instrumental in Argentinas success in Qatar. "Its impossible to fill Di Maras shoes. He and Messi are irreplaceable," Scaloni said. A future without Messi is hard to imagine Always soft-spoken, Messi has tried to lower expectations of another World Cup title. "We have to get excited, like Argentines always do, but we also have to know that there are other favorites ahead of us who are in better form," he said. Messi already holds the record for most World Cup matches (26) and needs four more goals to surpass Germanys Miroslav Kloses record of 16 World Cup goals. While he hasn't explicitly said he will retire from the national team after the World Cup, he dropped a big hint last September when he talked about the team's qualifying match against Venezuela in Buenos Aires as his last competitive home game for Argentina. "It was very emotional, knowing this was my last competitive match here," he said after the game at the Monumental Stadium. "I've been through a lot in this stadium some great moments and some difficult ones but it's always special to play in front of our fans." Scaloni, like most Argentines, also gets emotional when thinking about a national team without Messi. "I like to think hes going to keep playing because otherwise you get sad, like what happened with Diego (Maradona)," Scaloni said in an interview published on the website of South American soccer confederation CONMEBOL. "They are players who have made history in football and thinking that they wont play anymore doesnt leave you at peace. I prefer to think about the present." Reporting by The Associated Press.

Mirra Andreeva will take on Maja Chwalinksa on Saturday at the French Open, in one of the most unlikely finals in recent history. We break it down.

CHICAGO The vibes around the United States' World Cup team are viscerally on the risefollowing Sundays 3-2 exhibition win over Senegal, though concern remains about center back Chris Richards. On Friday, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said that Richards, the Americans most important defender who damaged ligaments in his left ankle last month, will miss Saturdays final pre-World Cup tune-up against four-time champions Germany at Soldier Field. "Today hes training," Pochettino told me during his pre-match press conference and shortly before putting all 26 players on the World Cup roster, including Richards, through their paces at the training facility of MLS club Chicago Fire. "But still hes not ready to compete, to play." Thats certainly not ideal for the tournament co-hosts, who kick off their World Cup campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay. Its even more concerning given that both goals the USA conceded against Senegal were preventable. The home side allowed 10 shots in total, four of them on target. Cleaning up those mistakes will be imperative at the main event, where errors are typically punished ruthlessly. Which makes the Germans an ideal opponent to face in the last match before the results actually begin to matter. At the World Cup, points not vibes are the only thing that counts. Thats not to say Saturdays contest is meaningless. Far from it. The U.S. was badly outclassed the last time they met Die Mannschaft, a 3-1 friendly loss in Connecticut in October 2023. The Stars and Stripes have struggled against European opponents dating back to their round of 16 loss to the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They were outscored 7-2 in March defeats to Belgium and Portugal, two other stout European foes. Yet while upsetting Germany without Richards would provide a huge boost of confidence ahead of the World Cup opener, a good performance from which everyone exits healthy is the desired outcome. A victory would be gravy. Midfielder Weston McKennie started that last U.S.-Germany meeting in 2023, logging 75 of the 90 minutes. "I think that game showed, obviously, the quality that they have," McKennie said following Friday's training session. "But also the quality that we have as well. We had the potential to win that game as well." Its true. Christian Pulisic scored a screamer to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead before Germany roared back with goals by lkay Gndoan, Niclas Fllkrug and Jamal Musiala. Only Musiala remains on German manager Julian Nagelsmanns roster for Saturdays contest and the World Cup. The USA's squad has had even more turnover. Several U.S. players projected to start when the games get real goalkeeper Matt Freese, defender Alex Freeman hadnt played an international match then. Freeman, now on Spanish club Villarreal, had just one minute of MLS play under his belt with former club Orlando City. "We go into this game with a lot of players that haven't played against them yet," McKennie said. "So I think the new energy, the new style, just the new circumstances in general leading into a World Cup, I think it's going to be a great test for us. "We're going there with the same mentality that we always go out with," he added. "To win the game." For Pochettino, its the final dress rehearsal, he and his staff's final chance to tinker and coax and collect a few more potentially crucial data points ahead of the World Cup itself. "Its a great opportunity after Senegal," he said of taking on an adversary as dangerous and experienced as the mighty Germans. "Its going to be a really different team that we are going to face." If missing helps Richards be ready six days later, it's a price Pochettino and his players are happy to pay. "Chris Richards is on the right path to coming back I think everyone trusts his body and what he feels and the coaching staff as well," McKennie said. "He's an important piece of the group: his energy, his leadership on and off the field, and so obviously we're just all behind him and can't wait to have him back. "The energy is great," he continued. "Were all just excited for the game against Germany, and also for the tournament to start."