Squad

• Pope Leo XIV shared his soccer preferences during a tour of Spain and the Canary Islands, noting he would have likely supported Peru over the U.S. in the World Cup. • The Pope clarified that Peru did not qualify for the current tournament, removing the conflict of interest regarding his former missionary work in the country. • Regarding the "El Clásico" rivalry, the Pope stated he is "for all teams," while noting that Prevost supports Real Madrid.

• The BCCI has selected a full-strength 15-member squad for the 2026 Asian Games, featuring star players like Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer. • In a significant roster change, the captain who led India to a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games has been excluded from the team. • This selection signals India's intent to prioritize a gold medal by fielding its top-tier talent rather than a developmental side.

• The Asian Legends League 2026 is set to feature a tournament consisting of 19 matches, all hosted at a single central venue. • The event aims to bring elite subcontinental cricket stars to Kenya, providing the local fanbase with rare access to legendary players. • Official broadcast partners for Season 2 have not yet been announced, though fans are encouraged to monitor @allt20.official and allt20.asia for streaming updates.

• Telegraph Sport has released a comprehensive guide analyzing the participating teams for the 2026 World Cup in North America, focusing on squad styles and success probabilities. • The analysis highlights specific tactical approaches, such as one team's commitment to a flat-back four formation and their ability to absorb pressure. • These insights are critical for evaluating how teams will navigate their group-stage draws and their potential to advance past opponents like Canada and Switzerland.

• Germany is preparing for the 2026 World Cup following two consecutive group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, including losses to South Korea and Japan. • Under manager Julian Nagelsmann, who took over in September 2023, the team has seen a resurgence in form and national pride. • This turnaround was highlighted by a strong performance as hosts at Euro 2024, where the squad reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Spain.

• National teams have begun announcing their 26-man squads for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. • Belgium's roster features veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, and Thibaut Courtois, alongside new addition Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who recently committed to his birth country over Spain. • The tournament marks a significant expansion, featuring a total of 48 competing teams.

A ruthless Thomas Tuchel has left several big names at home for his England squad at this summer’s World Cup.There was no space for Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer or Phil Foden – previous stalwarts in former manager Gareth Southgate’s squads.The announcement comes as the club season nears its end, with a historic week for Arsenal winning its first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking an incredible and diverse celebration from fans.Lucy Hough speaks to sportswriter and columnist Jonathan Liew – watch on YouTube Continue reading...