The Pulse of Football

Mar

2026

The USMNT play European powerhouses as Pochettino looks to build for home World Cup

Mauricio Pochettino’s US men’s national team will face Belgium and Portugal in two tricky friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

By Graham Ruthven

In preparation for discovering the USA’s World Cup opponents at December’s draw in Washington DC, Mauricio Pochettino watched ‘Miracle.’ The 2004 Disney movie retells the story of the 1980 US men’s hockey team and its sensational journey to Olympic gold. It’s an underdog story that clearly resonates with Pochettino.

“We identified with many things in the movie,” said Pochettino who admitted it made him cry. “It’s really amazing how a group of 20 players really believed in an idea.” That idea is summed up in a tagline adopted by the USA ahead of this summer’s World Cup on home soil – why not us?

The US men’s national team has come a long way in a relatively short time under Pochettino. There was a point last year when the 2026 World Cup co-hosts were struggling for any sort of traction. Back-to-back defeats to Canada and Panama a year ago raised all sorts of questions about the USMNT and their head coach.

As recently as September, Pochettino’s position was being scrutinised. Former USA international turned pundit Alexi Lalas called for the Argentine to be fired. While that was an extreme view, it said something about the way public sentiment had turned against Pochettino in some quarters.

Over the September, October, and November international windows, though, the US finally generated some momentum. Pochettino found a tactical framework that suited his players better and encouraging results against Japan, Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay followed. 2025 ended on an extremely positive note.

Belgium and Portugal, however, will provide a much sterner test. The USA will host the former at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday before welcoming the latter to the same venue next week. These two games will be the best yardstick so far to measure the co-host’s World Cup readiness.

*The USMNT pre-World Cup programme (screenshot taken on device with European timezone)*

Drawn in a group with Australia, Paraguay and either Kosovo or Türkiye, the USA stands a strong chance of making the knockout rounds. This is where the national team has hit the glass ceiling at past World Cups. Indeed, it’s been 24 years since the USMNT last won a knockout match at a World Cup, exiting to the Netherlands in Qatar.

This is why these upcoming friendly matches are so valuable. Pochettino must devise a way to set up his team to thrive against high-calibre opponents in order to give the USMNT a chance of making a deep run at a home World Cup. They could face a team of Belgium or Portugal’s quality this summer. They hope to face more than one.

Belgium might not be the same force that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. The country’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ has faded, but they still boast players like Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, both of whom have been included in Rudi Garcia’s squad to face the USA.

In De Bruyne, Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemens, Belgium have a midfield unit capable of controlling the majority of Saturday’s match in Atlanta. The Red Devils no longer have stalwarts like Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen in the backline, giving the US some hope that they might be able to pose a threat in attacking transition. Having enough of the ball to create such opportunities, however, could be an issue.

Portugal could be an even stiffer test. Roberto Martínez’s side will be among the favourites to win the World Cup this summer. Portugal’s squad is deeper than any other in international football at this moment in time, perhaps with the exception of England and France. They have countless options all over the pitch.

Cristiano Ronaldo is sidelined through injury meaning he will miss the encounter against the USMNT in Atlanta, but Portugal might be even stronger without the 41-year-old who has lost more than a yard of space and some of his sharpness in front of goal. Martinez has PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos to field in Ronaldo’s place.

The USA have some threats of their own. Christian Pulisic is struggling for form and fitness for AC Milan at club level, but is a consistent performer for his national team. Folarin Balogun has established himself as the USMNT’s first-choice centre forward under Pochettino and is on a strong scoring streak for Monaco.

Juventus have, in Pochettino’s words, been “Weston McKennie and 10 players” in 2026. McKennie is in the best shape of his career and will give the USA a different dimension with his late runs into the box. Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson and Tim Weah are also capable of impacting matches.

Pochettino is without the injured duo of Tyler Adams and Sergino Dest for this international window, but the Argentine has put a lot of effort into bulking up the USMNT’s squad. He has more options than Gregg Berhalter did at the last World Cup. The USA’s performances against Belgium and Portugal will indicate whether they are ready to go further than they did in Qatar too.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every USMNT game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

New Connected Ball technology for the WSL

The Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) has announced it will introduce Sportable’s FIFA-certified “Connected Ball” technology from the beginning of the 2026/27 season.

By Alex Connor

In a transformative move for the women’s game, the WSL becomes the first football league in the world to adopt Sportable’s technology, which uses patented sensors embedded in Nike’s official matchballs and player-tracking systems to provide live performance data and heightened analysis.

Sportable’s fully connected data ecosystem will operate at all WLS matches in the upcoming campaign and is an optional tool for every club to deploy in training environments. Several WSL clubs have implemented the Connected Ball and player-tracking mechanism into training and consistently into match preparation ahead of a wider rollout later this year.

The ball technology has been extensively tested to ensure reliability, with the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance & Tracking Systems (EPTS) already certifying Sportable’s Portable LPS tracking product, confirming the positional data’s accuracy. The system aims to uncover and present unprecedented real-time insights for teams, furthering the innovation and development of the future of women’s football.

Sportable, a data and analytics company, has a multi-year partnership with Six Nations Rugby and has made analytical breakthroughs in American football. But it’s now ventured into football, teaming up with Nike and the WSL in an uncharted development that promises to raise the sport’s standards.

“Nike’s new partnership with us is built on innovation and putting players first,” says Zarah Al-Kudcy, the Chief Revenue Officer for WSL Football. Nike have previously rolled out boots for all players and gloves for goalkeepers without personal endorsement deals.

A fully wireless, portable data ecosystem takes 10 minutes to set up, then 12-16 lightweight beacons create a live 3D map of players and the ball, with data generated and delivered within 800 milliseconds. The ball sensors reveal information on its speed, spin, and flight. GPS-ready player wearables then provide movement data, giving greater insight into effort, load and performance.

This system allows for analysis of every on-field action and detailed feedback, which can be utilised before, during or after a match, helping to elevate performance and tactical understanding of the women’s game.

Sportable CEO Dugald Macdonald is excited to introduce the data-driven product. “It is a privilege to work with Nike and support WSL Football on a project that will meaningfully impact the progression of the women’s game,” Macdonald said.

This new technology is also projected to deepen fan engagement through optimised sports broadcasting. In the Six Nations, augmented reality graphics used real-time data to create match stats on actions such as kick distance, pass distance and territory gained, which were presented across broadcast and digital channels.

Al-Kudcy added that Nike’s “desire to elevate the role of the ball through Sportable’s technology will enable us to provide enhanced performance data to our clubs as well as tell richer stories to our fans.”

The near-zero latency gives broadcasters increased storytelling potential, enriching the fan experience by creating more engaging and informative game-related content.

Macdonald, who co-founded Sportable in 2015, said: “The opportunity to create a consistent, data-rich view of performance, from training pitches to stadiums, is truly groundbreaking, and we are excited to help unlock the next level of insight for teams across the league and their fans via an enhanced, data-rich, broadcast experience.”

Sportable are a global leader in data performance and technology, which looks to enhance the experience for all relevant parties, including the players, clubs, broadcasters and fans. Women’s football has rapidly gained momentum in recent years, and this inclusive, data-driven technology is set to unlock more immediate value, enjoyment and knowledge for everyone involved in the sport. A new era is here for the WSL.

(Images courtesy of Sportable , WSL match action from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the WSL with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

FotMob Profile: UE Sant Andreu’s promotion charge and extraordinary history

Barcelona are a global superpower and the figurehead of football in Catalunya. They’re top of LaLiga and ruthlessly chasing a 29th top-flight title. However, they’re not the only Catalan club on the verge of success this season, with fourth-tier side UE Sant Andreu closing in on something even more remarkable.

By Alex Connor

Hailing from northern Barcelona, Sant Andreu are top of the Segunda Federacion Group 3, and unbeaten in 15 league matches. In their latest fixture, Sant Andreu defeated Atlético Baleares 2-0, sealing their seventh successive victory. Poblense’s 0-0 draw with Espanyol B meant that their lead at the summit was extended to eight points. With just six matches of the season remaining, Sant Andreu are tantalisingly nearing promotion.

But why does their story matter? The globalisation of top clubs and the gentrification of the city have placed greater emphasis on lower-league football in Barcelona. The longing for something relatable, unapologetically Catalan, and community-focused has drawn floods of local people into the loving arms of Sant Andreu. Media agency Catalan News reported that club membership has increased from 670 in 2020 to over 4,850 in March 2025. Although this growth was very recent, Sant Andreu’s unique story is steeped in decades of history.

Founded in 1909, Sant Andreu was targeted during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. The kit and crest were changed by the Francoist regime, with its Catalan identity stripped. Narcis Sala’s appointment as club president coincided with sporting success as Sant Andreu secured promotion to the second division in the 1949/50 season. Sant Andreu’s spell at this level was short-lived, and financial issues led to relegation in 1953 to the third division, where it remained for 16 years.

Promotion in 1969 was followed by the construction of a new ground (Narcis Sala Stadium), which hosted its first match when Sant Andreu faced Barcelona in March 1970. By 1977, Sant Andreu were overwhelmed by crippling debt, compounded by relegation from the second tier. Club president Felix Romero was scrambling for a solution and brainstormed the most extraordinary idea.

Romero contacted legendary Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali and asked him to create a painting for auction to raise funds to save the club from bankruptcy. Incredibly, he agreed. Dali’s artwork was titled ‘Goal’ and was unveiled at a museum in his birthplace, Figueres. The painting was valued at approximately 4,000,000 Spanish pesetas, which roughly equated to €25,000, and was enough to pay off the debts.

A situation so bizarre and unconventional is easily explained as Dali was born in Catalunya. He related to a club so emblematic of its Catalan background. The Senyera (the Catalan flag) is portrayed by Sant Andreu’s home jersey, which has four red stripes on a yellow background, and referred to by the club’s nickname, the Quadribarrats. The kit is manufactured by Meyba, a Catalan company which supplied Barcelona in the 80s and early 90s. Meyba’s business collapsed in 1997, but they picked Sant Andreu as their first venture back into football.

The club’s non-negotiable values further embolden Sant Andreu’s distinct identity. Speaking to Catalan News, club spokesperson Gerard Alvarez said: “The values that this club represents define who we are; an anti-fascist, anti-racist, feminist, Catalanist, working class, and human rights-defending club.”

When Sant Andreu played Atlético Madrid in the 2018 Copa del Rey at the Wanda Metropolitano, the Quadribarrats wore the logo of Open Arms, a humanitarian non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to rescuing migrants and refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, fleeing conflict and poor socio-economic conditions in search of peace and increased opportunities. It was a display of unity, highlighting the transformative work of an important cause.

This century, Sant Andreu has endured testing times on the pitch, even dropping to the fifth tier. However, promotion was achieved in the 2022/23 campaign through the play-offs, after beating Salamanca 3-2 on aggregate.

In the 2024/25 season, Sant Andreu finished third, nine points behind league winners and Pla de Barcelona derby rivals Club Esportiu Europa. The Segunda Federacion splits into five geographically arranged leagues, with only the first-place team promoted automatically. The 20 sides between second and fifth in their respective divisions must take part in a gruelling play-off tournament. They played Rayo Majadahonda in a two-legged play-off semi-final. After a 0-0 away draw in the first leg, Sant Andreu welcomed Majadahonda to the Narcis Sala stadium for the return fixture but lost 2-1. It was a crushing end to an admirable campaign.

However, Sant Andreu are firmly focused on redemption. With a lead at the top, which is beginning to look insurmountable, automatic promotion isn’t a fantasy, but now a glorious reality.

Sant Andreu have returned from the brink on many occasions, surviving bankruptcy, Franco’s dictatorship and play-off heartbreak. Their next league derby against Barcelona Atletic on 28 March is yet another crunch tie. Sant Andreu have never reached LaLiga, and although first-tier status is still tremendously far away, the club’s ability to rally, overcome and strive forward means that nothing is impossible.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Spanish football with FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Nico O’Reilly’s versatility is already helping Man City and that can only benefit England

Arsenal’s hopes of a quadruple are over, although a potential treble isn’t too bad. Man City’s 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup final felt like a seismic moment as we enter the last few games of the season, and it was all thanks to a brace from young Nico O’Reilly.

By Alex Roberts

We live in the era of versatility. Every club wants a player who can essentially play anywhere, and for Man City, that’s O’Reilly. He came through as an attacking midfielder but has since become their first choice left-back.

Pep Guardiola made the decision ahead of City’s FA Cup third-round tie against Salford last season, it was O’Reilly’s fourth senior appearance for the club, and he had never played as a left-back before.

As it turns out, Pep knows what he’s doing (who could’ve known!?). O’Reilly was fantastic, scoring in what turned out to be an 8-0 win and announcing himself to the world. City still decided to sign Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves, though.

*O’Reilly’s player traits compared to similar players in Top 5 leagues*

O’Reilly made his made his 13^th start of this season in the cup final against Arsenal. Of course, in true Guardiola style, he wasn’t playing as your typical left-back. His height and sheer physicality made him a constant threat in front of goal, obviously.

His first goal was a bit of a gift. Kepa Arrizabalaga suffered from a major case of popadom hands, allowing Matheus Nunes’ cross to drop right in front of O’Reilly. Martin Zubimendi tried and failed miserably to muscle in front of him, but there was no chance.

The fact he started the move for his second goal is easily missed. Low on ideas, Arsenal pumped the ball towards Kai Havertz, but O’Reilly stuck out one of his long legs to win it well. City were patient in their build up, giving the youngster plenty of time to make his way into position.

Bukayo Saka was the only man on him, but again, the Arsenal player stood no chance. Hilariously, O’Reilly’s two headers were his only touches in the opposition box on the day. Talk about clinical.

“Since I was a kid I always played in midfield, I was always arriving in the box and scoring goals,” he said after the game. “To bring it in at senior level and the highest level, it’s good for me and adds goals to my game. A great feeling.”

*O’Reilly’s possession numbers in the Premier League this season*

O’Reilly’s overall numbers in the Premier League are a little skewed because he’s occasionally played in midfield, but he’s primarily been City’s left back. They very clearly show a player who can do it all.

He’s a high-volume ball carrier, completing 20 dribbles at a success rate of 40.8% and winning 132 duels. O’Reilly is also great in the air, winning 38 aerial duels at a success rate of 54.3%. He’s 6’4”, so that’s kind of to be expected.

Defensively, he’s no slouch either. O’Reilly has won 61 tackles, made 83 recoveries, and contributed to City keeping eight clean sheets. Where he really stands out is winning possession in the final third six times.

It’s no secret that Man City dominate almost every game they play. That requires O’Reilly to contribute massively in the final third. He has four goals, three assists, created 18 chances, five of which can be considered ‘big.’

Also, because of how tall he is and dominant in the air, he pops up in the opposition box regularly, having 72 touches. Having a player like O’Reilly in their arsenal is a huge bonus, simply put, he’s contributing in every aspect, and just as Mikel Arteta found out, he’s very hard to defend against.

*O’Reilly’s defensive numbers in the Premier League this season*

All of this should be music to the ears of England manager Thomas Tuchel. He isn’t exactly blessed with options at left-back heading into the summer’s World Cup, and he’s already a huge fan of O’Reilly, handing him his debut in the 2-0 win over Serbia.

Again, O’Reilly took the chance and ran with it. Across his 180 minutes against Serbia and Albania, he made three tackles, won nine duels at a 90% success rate, and four aerial duels at a 100% success rate, while having 117 accurate passes and three touches in the opposition box.

Looking at the other candidates, this is the first season since 2022/23 that Luke Shaw has managed to play over 30 games for Man United but hasn’t been called up once since Tuchel took over, so it’s starting to look like his England career may be over.

Djed Spence somehow managed to get a place in the 35-man squad to face Uruguay and Japan. Unfortunately for him, his club form means a place at the World Cup is unlikely, never mind a potential starting birth.

O’Reilly’s main competition for that spot both play for Newcastle. First, we have Tino Livramento. Although he’s primarily a right-back, he has featured and impressed on the opposite flank under Eddie Howe.

Livramento hasn’t been able to stay fit, though. He’s started just 12 Premier League games this season, and he doesn’t offer the same kind of output as O’Reilly, being more of a traditional full-back, running up and down the wing.

Now we come to Lewis Hall. His profile is a little closer to O’Reilly’s, the Newcastle ace also loves to carry the ball, completing 34 dribbles at a success rate of 58.6%, while also being a nuisance with 37 touches in the opposition box.

The biggest difference is O’Reilly offers a level of physicality that Hall can’t. Perhaps if Tuchel wanted to be a little cheeky, he could interchange the two depending on the opposition England face in the latter stages.

Man City’s academy is rightfully lauded as one of the best in the world, right now, they’re producing top level players at a rate only the likes of Barcelona, Benfica, and Ajax can match.

O’Reilly is a cut above, though. Something we haven’t seen much of in the Premier League, he’s the type of player that ushers in a new era, one in which positions don’t matter and versatility does.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every Man City and England game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Preview: Argentina set for friendly clash against Mauritania

The reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, take another step along their preparations before attempting to defend their crown this summer as they face Mauritania in a friendly in Buenos Aires.

By Karl Matchett

Argentina are also playing Zambia during this international break in what’s effectively now a farewell to the public before trying to make it back-to-back successes on the global stage.

Spectacle and superstar

There won’t be much surprise if the lead-up to the game – and maybe the first half at least – is all about the usual Lionel Messi sideshow. At 38 years of age he’s still sharp and relentless in the final third; in MLS he may be but he can still top the lot, ranking ahead of 99% of similar forwards for goals and chances created and all 100% of them for touches and shots.

Still, the idea is to maximise what you get from Messi while maintaining balance elsewhere, which makes the likes of Julián Alvarez and Thiago Almada so vital with movement and workrate off the ball.

*To watch the upcoming friendlies in the United States, click here*

Plan in action

A little over a decade ago, Mauritania were in the bottom handful of national teams on the entire planet, by Fifa rankings anyway. Ground has been made in that regard, and they’ve been to three Afcon tournaments in the past seven years, but didn’t qualify for 2025’s edition and have never been to a World Cup.

It doesn’t seem like a testing opponent on first glance for Argentina, but they do face another (much stronger) African side in their World Cup group – Algeria – and also a World Cup finals debutant, in Jordan, so perhaps a defensive-minded opponent will provide some practice for what lies ahead. In reality, this is maybe the best alternative on offer at short notice, given Messi and co were supposed to be facing Spain in the Finalissima this weekend.

Recent matches

Three not-high-profile opponents have been Argentina’s choices since the qualifiers ended in a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador, with Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Angola all duly dispatched. Mauritania haven’t won any of their last six and have just one victory since the end of 2024.

Team news

Lionel Scaloni had a full squad in training at the start of the week and it’s expected the likes of Lionel Messi, Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Alvarez will all start, though Rodrigo De Paul could miss out with a knock.

Mauritania will look to Romania-based captain Aly Abeid for defensive organisation while Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama is hoping for an international debut.

Key Player

Enzo Fernández has been in the headlines over a potential summer move; at his best he is a scheming danger in the final third but he has been hot and cold this term. Over the past year he ranks in the top 5% of all attacking midfielders in Europe for getting on the ball; he should have plenty of that in this game so it’s all about whether he can find the telling ball to the front men.

Prediction

A routine win for the South American side but the key will be keeping up the tempo if they want to rack up the scoreline: Argentina 3-0 Mauritania.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Argentina game with FotMob this season – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

To watch the upcoming Argentina games in the United States, check out the coverage provided by BeINSports – here.

Mar

2026

Preview: England face Uruguay in Wembley friendly

Thomas Tuchel’s selection process for the upcoming World Cup continues with a Friday night fixture against international football’s perennial overachievers, Uruguay.

By Ian King

Thomas Tuchel has to continue his England filtration process over this international break weekend

A surplus of talent is no bad thing for an international coach, but that’s where Thomas Tuchel finds himself ahead of England’s two international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Tuchel has taken the unusual step of naming a 35-player squad for these two matches with players arriving at different times, depending on the number of minutes they have played for their clubs this season. and it’s his job to now start filtering through those players to select his final 26-player squad. And recent form is good. Since losing 3-1 at home to Senegal in June, they’ve won six in a row and have kept six clean sheets.

Uruguay qualified for this summer’s finals in fourth place in the CONMEBOL megagroup, in which Argentina were the runaway winners, with only one point separating the next five nations. Their last run out, however, ended in a fairly dismal 5-1 defeat to the USA in a friendly back in November.

England have never beaten Uruguay in a competitive match

It is something of an anomaly that England have never beaten Uruguay in a competitive match, and this poor record extends to friendlies, as well. The Three Lions have only beaten Uruguay once at all since 1969, and that came twenty years ago. Their last meeting, at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, also ended in a 2-1 Uruguay win.

This is a game for those fighting for a place in Tuchel’s summer squad

With 35 players and staggered arrivals, there will be two very different England teams playing their two upcoming friendly matches and attention will naturally turn to those who are trying to push their way into the squad or the starting eleven.

One player who will be travelling but will be trying to secure a starting place is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace. Wharton made his England debut almost two years ago against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it took until September last year for him to return to the team; he’s now made three appearances for the national team. Wharton’s had a decent season for Crystal Palace and will be hoping to start in this fixture in order to make his case to start in the summer.

There will, of course, be familiar faces in the Uruguay team and one of them will be that of Darwin Núñez, who left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia last summer. Núñez has scored six goals in 14 appearances for Al Hilal this season, and his record for his national team is decent, with 13 goals in 36 appearances for La Celeste. He may have been a little too erratic for Liverpool, but he’s been a mainstay of his national team’s attack for a long time.

Team news

Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka will be joining up with the squad in time for the Japan match, so none of these players will feature in this match. Jarell Quansah and Eberechi Eze have both withdrawn from the squad with injury, with Ben White and Harvey Barnes stepping in to replace them.

Barcelona’s Ronald Araújo and Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde are among the more familiar names who may start for Uruguay, along with Manuel Ugarte, who’s been struggling for game time with Manchester United this season. Perhaps the biggest cheer of the evening will be reserved for the Uruguay head coach and former Leeds United icon Marcelo Bielsa, who’s returning to England for the first time since leaving Elland Road in 2022. Expect a larger than usual contingent of Leeds fans in the Wembley crowd for this match.

Prediction

Of course, with these upcoming matches being friendly fixtures, there is more at play for Thomas Tuchel over the next four days than the actual results of the matches. Tuchel finds himself in a privileged position, with a plethora of talent to choose from. Sooner this than not having enough, we might reasonably presume.

Expectations for England this summer are high. Ranked fourth in the current FIFA rankings, there will be considerable disappointment should they not make it as far as the semi-finals, and this is arguably a reflection on the decision to hire Tuchel with the very specific aim of going as far as possible in this tournament. Knives will be quickly drawn, should performances fall short.

Uruguay are not to be taken lightly. They qualified for these finals by a comfortable margin and are ranked 17th in the world themselves, and this is a nation defined by the outsized success that its national football team has had, going right the way back to the first World Cup in 1930. That a country of 3.5 million people should have produced a team that has won this tournament twice and remains a regular qualifier for its finals remains one of the World Cup’s more curious and enduring anomalies.

But with so many players with something to prove and a squad that is so strong that the head coach can divide it between two matches, England should have enough about them to take a positive result from this match, so I’ll go for a narrow 2-1 home win, with the big question of the weekend really being whether Tuchel finishes it with a much clearer idea of what his final summer squad will look like.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every England game with FotMob this year – featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Will Harvey Barnes get a chance to impress for Thomas Tuchel’s England?

Harvey Barnes could have been heading north for this month’s international break. He might have been preparing to make his Scotland debut at Hampden Park having been wooed by Steve Clarke following a years-long pursuit. Instead, Barnes will be at Wembley Stadium on Friday as part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.

By Graham Ruthven

Initially left out of the 35-man squad for the matches against Uruguay and Japan, Barnes was called up after Eberechi Eze’s withdrawal due to injury. Now, the 28-year-old will have the opportunity to prove he deserves a place in Tuchel’s final 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup. Scotland’s loss could be England’s gain.

Barnes has been in exceptional form for Newcastle this season. Many fans in the North East believe the winger has been their most consistent performer for a number of months, as illustrated by Barnes’ return of five goal contributions in his last 10 matches for the Magpies in all competitions.

Only Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade have a higher Expected Goals (xG) than Barnes within the Newcastle squad this season with the 28-year-old averaging a team-high 2.7 shots per match. At a time when Eddie Howe has chopped and changed his forward line regularly, Barnes has remained a consistent threat.

It’s unsurprising Tuchel’s eye has been caught by the Newcastle winger who could force his way into the reckoning to feature for England on the left side at this summer’s World Cup. While competition within the squad is stiff, there is a question mark over that particular part of Tuchel’s team as the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada gets closer.

*Barnes’ shooting numbers in the Premier League this season*

Tuchel has started three different wingers on the left side in England’s last three matches. Eze, Gordon and Marcus Rashford have all been given a chance to prove themselves in the position with varying degrees of success. Barnes could stake a claim by performing well against Uruguay and Japan.

By calling up 35 players for the March camp, Tuchel is clearly intent on casting an eye over as many players as possible before selecting his World Cup squad. There is plenty to occupy the mind of the German coach. England boast one of the deepest squads in the international game, but that could give Tuchel a selection headache.

*Barnes’ passing numbers in the Champions League this season*

Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Fikayo Tomori are all vying to start for The Three Lions in central defence while the left back position appears to be a straight fight between Lewis Hall and Nico O’Reilly. At right back, Tino Livramento could have the chance to make a case for himself with Reece James currently injured.

In midfield, Adam Wharton and James Garner could have the opportunity to earn a starting spot next to Declan Rice in the centre of the pitch while Jarrod Bowen, Noni Madueke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke are among those who must make a good impression on Tuchel to secure a place in England’s attacking group. The next two matches might be the final audition.

The road testing could extend to the left wing. Rashford has enjoyed a resurgence on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United this season, but hasn’t registered a goal contribution in any of his last seven games in all competitions. The 28-year-old is currently a peripheral figure for the Catalans. His primary role is as an impact sub off the bench.

Gordon is part of Tuchel’s left wing rotation, but went over a year without scoring an open play goal in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Eze is most comfortable in a number 10 position. Even when the Arsenal attacker is deployed on the left side, he has the natural instinct to cut inside.

Barnes would give England verticality. The 28-year-old plays with an irrepressible willingness to push forward into the opposition box and frequently has the composure to find the back of the net when he gets there. Barnes could give The Three Lions a different dimension should he do enough to make their World Cup squad.

It’s been a long road for Barnes to reach this point in his career. The winger has already been capped for England, but that one appearance for the national team came all the way back in 2020. From loan spells at MK Dons and Barnsley to Leicester City and Newcastle United, Barnes has had to prove himself every step of the way.

Even at Newcastle after making a £38m transfer from Leicester three years ago, Barnes has had to be patient. It’s only now that he is establishing himself as one of the Magpies’ most important players. He could now do something similar for England having waited years, and rejected the interest of another nation, for another opportunity.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every England game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

Could Inter’s Pio Esposito be the answer to Italy’s striker woes?

It’s time for us to be honest with ourselves, Italy haven’t had a top striker since they won the World Cup in 2006. Mario Balotelli was meant to be the guy, but he couldn’t keep his head cool enough to fulfil all that potential.

By Alex Roberts

The drop off from Francesco Totti and Alessandro del Piero has been a harsh one, but it’s not going to last forever. In fact, Italy may have finally found the heir. Francesco Pio Esposito doesn’t just look the part; he walks the walk.

Esposito comes from a footballing family. His father was a centre back, who made it to the third tier of Italian football before turning to coaching, while his older brothers, Salvatore and Sebastiano, play for Sampdoria and Cagliari, both on loan.

Neither have reached the hights of the youngest Esposito, which one may assume makes for a few interesting family dinners, but there appears to be a deep level of support amongst the family.

*Esposito player traits compared with other strikers in Top 5 leagues*

“We grew up in an area where there was only the football field,” Salvatore, the eldest Esposito, explained in an interview with Che Fatica La Vita Da Bomber. “There were loads of other good kids, but we were lucky that we had the support of our family and the desire to get where we wanted to go. There was a lot of competition, also between us.”

The three brothers signed for Inter in 2014. Salvatore left in 2014 for SPAL without making an appearance, but Sebastiano, who made his debut as a 16-year-old in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt is still contracted to the club.

Francesco, or Pio as he is increasingly better known by, was handed a new contract in 2023 and shipped out to Spezia on a two-year loan. His first season was poor, scoring just three goals in his 39 games across all competitions, but he really came into his own in 2024/25.

He ended his second season at Spezia with 19 Serie B goals, the second most in the division. Inter decided to keep him rather than send him back out on loan, and Esposito has grasped that opportunity with both hands.

The optics are almost perfect; Esposito is everything we imagine a proper Italian number nine to be. He’s 6’2”, incredibly passionate, but perhaps most importantly, he has great hair. He wouldn’t have looked out of place with the 2006 World Cup squad!

Esposito isn’t fazed by anything. He’s a bit of a throwback striker, very physical and not afraid to throw down with defenders ten years his senior in a league that is famous for pragmatic football.

“I must admit that he is surprising me with how well he’s doing, as he plays for the team and knows how to do certain things, is not afraid of anything, and always keeps a cool head in front of goal,” Christian Chivu told DAZN after Inter’s 2-0 win over Cagliari.

“Despite being so young, he handles the pressure well. He can also handle the physical duels on the pitch and works hard for the team. I’m very pleased with how he is doing.”

That fearlessness is so obvious on the pitch. In Inter’s 3-1 Champions League round of 16 first leg defeat to Bodø/Glimt, while his teammates were flailing, Esposito, who scored Inter’s goal, remained calm and kept going.

More recently, Esposito opened the scoring in the first minute in Inter’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina, and he would have won it if it wasn’t from a fantastic David de Gea save in the dying seconds of injury time.

The numbers back it all up. Esposito has won 85 duels at a success rate of 49.7%, he also remarkably strong in the air, winning 35 aerial duels at a 50% success rate, and won possession in the final third nine times in the Serie A.

*Esposito possession stats in Series A this season*

Of course, because Italian football can’t have anything nice anymore, Esposito has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. Man United and Arsenal are both reportedly keen, with Chelsea also said to be circling.

In the here and now, Esposito is excelling on the international stage having scored three goals in five appearances for Italy since being handed his international debut by Gennaro Gattuso last September. He has started one of those games, the 4-1 defeat to Norway, in which he scored the opener.

Just like at club level in Italy, the national side play a back three, it’s beyond an obsession at this point. Esposito played alongside Mateo Retegui in the Norway loss, and it’s expected that the Inter ace will be benched for Moise Kean in their World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.

Hearing praise from Luca Toni, who had a very similar profile to Esposito, during a post-game interview with for DAZN on Sunday, the striker said that such words “counted double.” Reflecting on De Gea’s late save he added: “If it wouldn’t go in today, let’s hope it’s just waiting for Thursday.”

A striker like Esposito, who handles pressure like none they’ve had for quite some time is a huge asset for a nation that failed to score in their previous two World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and North Macedonia

Four-time winners Italy haven’t qualified for the biggest spectacle in sports since Brazil 2014, missing out on a third consecutive tournament, especially when it’s the biggest in history, is simply unthinkable.

There is a very fine line that needs to be walked upon. Esposito is 20-year-old, the powers shouldn’t be putting too much pressure on the lad, but at the same time, it’s important to recognise he’s a rare talent that Italy hasn’t seen for years.

*Esposito shooting stats in Serie A this season*

Gattuso spoke about that, saying: “Pio’s main quality is humility. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that it’s difficult for someone like him to get too big for his boots or have a negative attitude.

“The way he thinks, the way he trains, and the way he does make him seem like a 30-year-old: like everyone else, he’ll have his bad moments, but he works, he keeps quiet, he pushes, and he wants to improve.”

It’s been a long time coming, but the future is bright for Italy up top.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every game World Cup playoff game on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage, xG, and player ratings, where available. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

FotMob Profile: Young Ghana international Caleb Yirenkyi

Caleb Yirenkyi belongs to a generation of Ghanaian players who have seen the national team play at multiple World Cups in the 21st century.

By Kaustubh Pandey

Up until 2006 the Black Stars had never played at a World Cup but since then they have played in all but one edition. In 2010, they went as far as the quarter-finals and were minutes away from reaching the semi-finals too.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup came amidst the disappointment around the failure to even make it to the most recent African Cup of Nations but now, there is a bigger goal in sight for Yirenkyi, and his teammates.

The 20-year-old midfielder is now a regular for the national team, having also come leaps and bounds for Nordsjælland at club level. A central midfielder by trade, Yirenkyi has often played as the deepest of the Danish club’s midfield three and has also been utilised as a right central midfielder.

He boasts impressive athletic ability and loves to move the ball forward from the middle of the park. There have been suggestions of interest from major English clubs and when one glances closely at his profile, there is no surprise at all.

This season, in the Superligaen, he has played 22 times, contributing to a total of seven goals along the way. A product of Right to Dream’s increasingly famous academy, he could follow in the footsteps of Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus and Atalanta’s Kamaldeen Sulemana by making the big jump to one of Europe’s big five leagues.

Right to Dream’s academy structure has roots spread across Ghana and multiple other countries including Egypt, the US, and Denmark. The system is based on the holistic development of young footballers and improving them not just on the pitch but also nurturing them as people.

The Ghana international joined Nordsjaelland’s U19s side back in 2024, having first played for Right to Dream’s Ghana Academy back in 2017 when he was just 11.

*Yirenkyi player traits compared against similar midfielders in comparable leagues*

Yirenkyi is described as a man of few words but deep within, he has qualities that have always stood out for the coaches. All of this has led him to here – on the verge of making Ghana’s World Cup squad, having already played seven times for his country’s senior side.

Nordsjaelland’s Transitions Coach Thomas Kristensen played over 100 games for the club and featured several times for the Danish national team. He also saw Yirenkyi from quite close quarters when he was with the Right to Dream international academy team which consisted of players from academies in Ghana, Denmark, and Egypt, who visited Denmark several times a year, and also took part in international tournaments with clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Kristensen first came across the Ghanaian two and a half years ago and points out Yirenkyi’s humble approach to life and the game.

“I think early on, it was more like his character which stood out. He was also a very good player, but he was very humble and hardworking and always ready to help others. He was always the last guy leaving the dressing room, cleaning up after everyone.”

“Last to leave the bus, last to leave the pitch. Always make sure that all the balls are there. So I think that what really stood out in the start was how humble he was.”

Right To Dream’s Ryan French, who was Yirenkyi’s first coach during the youngster’s time with the Right To Dream setup in Ghana and also managed the housing in which Yirenkyi lived in, looks back on when the midfielder was coming through the youth side.

He agrees that Yirenkyi came across as very shy but his competitiveness shone through on the pitch.

“To describe him as a person – when Caleb came in, he was very quiet, almost shy. However, when you put him in competitive situations, you really saw the strength of his personality or at least the strong attributes of his personality stand out. First, he was very competitive.”

“All the players there are very competitive. Everyone who arrives is determined to succeed. But with Caleb, it’s a steely determination. It’s almost like a quiet resolve.”

Yirenkyi still comes across as very competitive on the pitch too, as his attempts to keep winning his duels in the heart of the park whenever he features for Nordsjaelland would testify.

*Yirenkyi’s possession stats in the Danish Superliga this season*

French believes it was one of his standout qualities even when the player was young.

“When you put him in competitive scenarios, you can really see him enjoy the process of competition and enjoy figuring out how he was going to succeed. I really admired that about Caleb, that he didn’t rush through competition or figuring that out. He was very competitive. He worked with the tools that he had and then just made them into strength.”

The 20-year-old does have a funny side to him that shines through when he is interacting with his teammates.

FotMob also asked Yirenkyi about his role models growing up. He, in his classic way, suggested he simply loves doing what he does for the love of the game.

“I don’t really have one, I just like to see the effort they put in the game and [play for] the joy of it.”

It is French who goes into the details of his playing style, noting his all-round abilities on the pitch.

“He loves contact. He likes to create. He really enjoys playing forward. He’s capable of a decisive pass. He’s so technical that, even at a young age, he had a mastery of striking the ball.”

Further, French reveals it was the youngster’s explorative nature that helped him across the way: “He was very curious about exploring that and figuring out how to do that well. So I see him do all of those things and I see him now do it with both that determination and that competitive spirit, but also with a process that he’s clearly enjoyed. He really enjoys playing football. And you can see that when he’s playing.”

Going deeper into his curious nature, he explains how this helped Yirenkyi use both feet effectively.

“When he was a young player, Caleb was very technical, capable of using both feet. He definitely prioritized one over the other, but he wasn’t shy to use the non-dominant foot and was even exploring ways to improve it at a young age. Like, he had this discipline, knowing that it was important to develop that side of his technical coordination but he also had a curiosity that was leading him in that direction.”

The Black Stars’ up and comer’s own words perhaps shed light on his sponge-like nature, as he is always super-focused on learning from what is around him.

*Yirenkyi’s passing numbers in the Danish Superliga this season*

Yirenkyi says: “I go on the pitch and do the best I can, try to learn everything every day from coaches and teammates.”

Yirenkyi has also been described as a multi-directional player and those traits were visible since he was very young. This has made sure that he has become a press-resistant midfielder, making him suited for a deeper role too.

“What we really noticed about Caleb is when we wanted him to play in every direction, to be this multi-directional player, he was key. And that was central to the team that we were playing in. This is a small-sided game, so we’re playing 5v5, 7v7, 9v9, at these ages, depending on the format and the day.”

“We’ve changed the game model, but Caleb was usually central to the team for playing in a multi-directional way. Playing multi-directional was really important, usually for his role in the position. However, as capable as he was to do that, he often had the ability to chase the pressure and go forward anyway.”

While Kristensen is proud of how everything is coming together for Yirenkyi, French believes it shows how well Right to Dream’s approaches talented players and nurtures them from an all-round standpoint.

The culture at the academy helps youngsters like Yirenkyi to have a reliable core group behind them which, in turn, goes a long way in shaping their career.

“The relationships they develop inside these environments create an incredible support network for the players. And you see that now. You know, the players, as they move on from the academy, staying in touch, the coaches, the scouting staff, it’s kind of just this big, giant network that’s something akin to a family.”

“So I give a lot of credit to Right to Dream for developing the whole person, not just the whole player, and staying true to that and staying focused on that.”

Kristensen adds that featuring at the World Cup will be a definite game-changer for the Nordsjaelland star.

“It’s a big thing for everyone to represent the national team. For him, it means a lot. You can really see how much he looks forward to it. It doesn’t matter if they have to travel halfway around the world to play a game.”

“The World Cup is a massive thing that hopefully he will be able to go to in the summer. And that is also something that will maybe take him to the next level playing against the best competition in the world.”

In his very own way, Yirenkyi tells FotMob about his ambitions for the summer: “The players and the staff will give everything they have to make our fans proud and I hope I will be a part of the experience.”

Indeed, Yirenkyi is someone who prefers to do his talking on the pitch. His demeanour is calm and he saves his energy for dominating the midfield, leaving his coaches to tell tales of what he truly brings to the table.

That is largely emblematic of who and what Yirenkyi is. Ghana can be assured that their future could well be in safe hands. Selection for the World Cup brings a ton of pressure with it but the 20-year-old is clearly someone who can handle whatever comes his way.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Danish Superliga with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Mar

2026

The MLS Wrap: Messi in NYC as Surridge and Nashville aim high

Nashville’s English striker continues to be one of the star performers in MLS, while elsewhere, Lionel Messi visited a historic New York venue, and the Colorado Rapids have some hope.

By James Nalton

Sam Surridge continued his MLS goalscoring exploits with a hat-trick against Orlando City on Sunday, taking him to seven goals from his three starts so far in the 2026 season.

Surridge’s performances in front of goal went somewhat under the radar last year. It’s easy for that to happen when Messi is in the league, but at one point, towards the end of the regular season, he was leading the Golden Boot race ahead of the Argentine.

*Sam Surridge season summary for 2025 and 2026 so far…*

He ended up with 24 goals from 34 appearances in the league, and added an extra one in the playoffs. He scored six goals as Nashville won America’s domestic cup, the US Open Cup, adding a trophy to his name in the process.

Early form suggests this goalscoring form will continue. In fact, the rate at which he is scoring so far suggests he will be even better this year, which would immediately make him not just a Golden Boot contender but a challenger for Messi’s MVP award, too.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, though, and just enjoy his latest collection of goals from this weekend, which helped Nashville to a 5-0 win at home to Orlando.

The third goal of the hat-trick, in particular, following a penalty and a poacher’s effort, was one to savour, hit with the point of his right foot with great technique into the far corner.

The combination of Surridge and the potential signing of the season, Cristian Espinoza, makes Nashville a real threat in 2026.

*Sam Surridge hattrick vs. Orlando, goal three highlighted*

Messi in New York

A headline-grabbing player in a headline-grabbing city is always a draw, and this was the case once again as Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami team visited The Bronx to face New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

Messi’s presence produced the second-highest attendance in NYCFC’s history. Sunday’s crowd of 45,845 is only bettered by a Hudson River Derby game against local rivals New York Red Bulls in 2015, which attracted 48,047 spectators.

Inter Miami came into this game having missed out on one of their key goals this season, after they were knocked out of the Champions Cup (Concacaf’s Champions League or Copa Libertadores equivalent) by Nashville in midweek.

Javier Mascherano and the rest of the Miami franchise had, admirably, not hidden their desire to claim continental silverware this season, but limped out at the last 16.

And back in MLS action on Sunday, Messi was initially upstaged by a fellow Argentine, Nicolás Fernández Mercau, who has started the season in impressive fashion in an unfamiliar striker role for NYCFC.

Fernández Mercau hit a Messi-like free-kick to open the scoring, bouncing it in off the underside of the bar to leave Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair a mere spectator.

But it was Messi who ended up with the highest FotMob rating of the game, putting in a typical performance. He hit the post twice and scored a free-kick of his own, albeit via a deflection, to get his team back in the game at 2-1 down. Brazilian centre-back Micael scored the winner for Miami shortly after with a great header back across goal into the far corner.

In the end, New York City scored two goals that were outstanding in their own way to give their fans something to cheer for, but it was Messi and Miami who were able to get the win and go some way to recovering from the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions Cup.

There were cheers for Messi as his name was read out pre-match, but boos at the final whistle as the New York crowd believed a couple of key decisions went against their team, as they suffered their first defeat of 2026.

Wells starts well in Colorado

Taking up the job as the head coach of Colorado Rapids is no easy gig. For a young manager, it might almost be seen as a risk, but it’s a testament to Matt Wells’ belief in his coaching ideas that he has taken on the challenge.

One thing MLS does offer is a chance to try things out. There is no risk of relegation, and teams generally do well if a coach can come up with a plan and get their players to buy into it.

This has worked most obviously in the past for teams like the Columbus Crew and Montreal with Wilfried Nancy, Philadelphia Union under Jim Curtin, and the Rapids themselves for one season under Robin Fraser in 2021.

It’s early days, but there is a chance that Colorado could do something similar under Wells, the former Spurs assistant coach. For Rapids fans, simply being in with a chance offers more hope than they have had in recent years.

As MLS writer Matt Doyle highlighted on BlueSky, the Rapids have adapted to some simple but effective changes introduced by Wells this season, particularly building attacks quickly and directly from the back via some neat combination play.

They have now won two of their games 4-1, at home to LA Galaxy and this weekend away to Sporting Kansas City, and have settled into a position in the top half of the Western Conference with three wins from their five games.

A princely performance but Montréal still fall

Speaking of teams that have struggled in recent years, Montréal supporters are more familiar than most when it comes to this side of football fandom.

Their agonising 4-3 defeat to a 10-man FC Cincinnati team was more of the same as far as this is concerned, but there were at least some goals to celebrate on this occasion and a standout performance from Prince Owusu.

The striker finished the game with a FotMob rating of 9.4, thanks to contributing to each of Montréal’s goals, ending the game with two goals and an assist. It made him the second-highest rated player of the week after Surridge.

Montréal couldn’t make the most of the goals and the man advantage, though, and in the end conceded a fourth themselves and left Ohio with nothing. Nothing apart from some encouraging attacking play from Owusu and Wiki Carmona, anyway.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from MLS with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including player ratings. Download the free app here.