#world-cup-preparation

#world-cup-preparation

We have spent the last 18 months developing the player pool so we can be prepared to make the correct decisions for the World Cup roster, and this is another valuable opportunity. We must treat these games like they are a part of the World Cup, and what is most important is that the players bring the right mentality and commitment to the group.

The call arrives right after one of Raphinha's best nights of the season. Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-2 and the Brazilian finished with three goals, his third hat trick since Hansi Flick took over. The first came from the penalty spot after a move he started himself, flicking a clever backheel into João Cancelo's run before the defender was brought down.

Curtis, 19, joined Kilmarnock on loan from Rangers in January having played 32 times in an impressive first half of the campaign at Ibrox. With Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak just back from injury and Scotland lacking depth in wide attacking areas, Curtis has been given the chance to impress as Clarke prepares to lead Scotland at the World Cup finals in June.

The knee's great, I feel fine. I was actually quite surprised with how seamless the rehab was because I've had some tricky rehabs in the past, so to have a smooth one and be able to just come back smoothly has been nice. To get minutes back into the legs has been great, and finally feeling like I'm in rhythm again is nice as well after that past 90 [minute appearance].

We are delighted to have Great Park as our training site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The facilities are simply outstanding and will provide the perfect training environment for our team to prepare to be successful at the World Cup.

We've got a wonderful staff that is looking at details you wouldn't even imagine. All those little things that you look for. When that happens? If it happens two or three times, what's the common trend? Or what's the next thing that the team does or the coach does? So we're trying to cover everything.

Scotland have been forced to switch opponents from Peru to Venezuela for their final World Cup warm up match in the United States.

He's a young player who needs time to develop, as you can see now in Newcastle. So, I don't expect him to score 15 goals in Newcastle and then shoot us to a World Cup title. He's welcome to do that, but it would be extraordinary. I told him only last week to stay relaxed. We have trust in him.

Balogun put the hosts in the lead in the 57th minute with his fourth goal in his last four appearances in all competitions. Luck was on his side when his header connected with a cross; the ball bounced back on an opponent then on his leg before crossing the goalline.

As it happens, Wilson was "not ready" following the birth of her child, according to Hayes. Mallory Swanson isn't in the roster either, following the birth of her child, which makes Trinity Rodman the lone present member of the Triple Espresso frontline. Toss in the injured Catarina Macario, and you have a USWNT attack that's far from full strength.

Cynics may say it is no coincidence the J.League has introduced penalty shootouts to replace draws just before the World Cup. Japan have identified the quarter-finals as the target this summer after failing to progress past the last 16 on three of the past four occasions, with two of those disappointments coming after failures from the spot. The 2022 tournament was the worst, with the Samurai Blue, who should have seen off Croatia during normal time, losing the shootout 3-1 in dismal fashion.

World Cup-bound Australia have been given a hiding in Lahore, bamboozled by Pakistan's spinners as they crumbled to a 90-run defeat and a T20I series capitulation. Just hours after their squad for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka was announced, Mitch Marsh's side, featuring nine World Cup players and looking desperately in need of their absent big guns, simply could not cope with the hosts' five-pronged spin attack on Saturday.

Such was their dominance that their 4-0 lead at the break could have been even bigger, and the final score of 6-0 was in no way flattering. Nick Woltemade's fourth goal in three games was followed by a goal made in Munich but scored by Serge Gnabry for Germany. The returning Leroy Sane continued his fine form and added two of his own, with the second the perfect example of Germany's intensity.

"With Ancelotti, we're evolving and building a clear playing identity," Vinicius told the CBF's official media channels. "Finding that balance before the World Cup will be crucial. We all have to get into the World Cup mindset and understand that our opportunity has arrived."

"As things stand, he [Kimmich] will return to the number six position because he is simply one of two or three players who will always play for their club," Nagelsmann said.

Bayern Munich will have some down time, but its players will be jetting off to several global locations to take part in games for their home countries. Where can you follow how all of that shakes out? Right here with Bavarian Football Works! If you are a fan of the German national team, we will be covering all of the news, games, interviews, press conferences, and action from what should be a very interesting set of matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

Two years out from the World Cup, stuff starts to get a little bit more serious," he replied.

The opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium such as the City Ground is one we can all look forward to.