June 2026 - Soccer Wiretap

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino acknowledged Tuesday that selecting his final 26-man World Cup roster will involve difficult choices, with more than 35 players still under consideration following a 2-0 defeat to Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The loss followed Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving the United States with no further friendlies before the planned May 26 squad announcement in New York.

Pochettino addressed the selection challenge directly.

"It is going to be painful because that process is going to be difficult to pick only 26 from 35, 40," Pochettino said. "Who will be there is going to be happy, who is not on the roster is going to be sad."

Despite consecutive defeats, Pochettino maintained the camp produced valuable lessons against two top-10 FIFA-ranked opponents.

"We are competing against Belgium, Portugal," he said. "I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100 players, a few or some playing in that top 100. I think we don't have. That is why it's good to play against these types of teams."

Pochettino identified small tactical errors as fixable issues rather than structural concerns. He singled out Antonee Robinson's positioning on Portugal's opening goal as an example of details that will be addressed during the extended World Cup preparation camp.

"We are not far away," Pochettino said. "It is only details we need to improve."

The Argentine coach also expressed satisfaction with Christian Pulisic's performance as a central striker against Portugal, despite the AC Milan forward's continued scoring drought.

"I think he was very active and he did a good job," Pochettino said. "It was a shame he didn't score with the opportunities he had."

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, 16, produced a standout performance for England's under-19 side Tuesday, scoring a goal of the season contender and setting up two more in a 6-0 victory over Portugal in northern Portugal. The result continued an extraordinary breakthrough season for one of English soccer's most exciting young prospects.

Dowman collected the ball in his own half, beat several defenders and finished clinically from the edge of the penalty area. His display dismantled a Portugal backline that struggled to contain his pace and dribbling throughout.

England under-19 coach Will Antwi described Dowman's composure as remarkable given his age.

"He's quite attuned to his profile," Antwi told The Athletic. "He just gets on with his football and plays. I think it's abnormal to us all because he's so young, but to him, it's just normal. Nothing has been a problem, he just gets his boots on, poses for the pictures when he's asked, and is very graceful about it."

Dowman already has Premier League experience this season, scoring a memorable long-range goal for Arsenal against Everton. The Football Association has worked to manage his public exposure carefully, with security staff limiting access during last weekend's Poland fixture.

Arsenal are expected to include him in their squad for an upcoming FA Cup weekend and Champions League quarterfinal.

Despite two wins from three matches, England failed to secure qualification for this summer's Under-19 European Championship in Wales.

Dowman is the youngest player in an England under-19 squad that also features Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha and Chelsea's Jesse Derry among its notable talents.

Italy's World Cup vexations deepened Tuesday as Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated the four-time champions in a penalty shootout in Zenica, marking the third consecutive World Cup the Azzurri will miss. No current Italian player has ever appeared at the tournament.

Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead, but the match turned when center back Alessandro Bastoni received a direct red card before halftime. Bosnia substitute Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th minute, forcing extra time. Neither side scored in the additional 30 minutes. Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their spot kicks, while U.S.-born Esmir Bajraktarovic, born in Appleton, Wisconsin, converted the decisive penalty.

Italian defender Leonardo Spinazzola captured the mood in the dressing room.

"We still don't believe it — that we're out and that it happened in this manner," Spinazzola said. "It's upsetting for everyone. For us, for our families, and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup."

Coach Gennaro Gattuso, who took over following Luciano Spalletti's dismissal last June, deflected questions about his future.

"I want to personally apologize since we didn't make it," Gattuso said. "Today talking about my future is not important. Today it was important to get to the World Cup."

The defeat means the 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006 champions will go at least 16 years without competing at soccer's premier event. Italy's last knockout-round victory came in the 2006 final against France.

Bosnia will appear at their second World Cup, placed in Group B alongside co-host Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Turkey secured their first World Cup berth in 22 years with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kosovo in Pristina on Tuesday, claiming the final spot in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia. Kerem Akturkoglu's second-half strike proved the decisive moment in a tense qualifier at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium.

The winning goal arrived less than 10 minutes into the second half. Kenan Yildiz drove down the left and fed Orkun Kokcu, whose mishit attempt was deflected in at the far post by Akturkoglu. A VAR review confirmed the goal despite Kosovo's offside appeals.

Kosovo pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages. Florent Muslija threatened from outside the box and Fisnik Asllani forced a strong late save from goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, who had also denied Asllani with a crossbar save in the first half.

Turkey's qualification sets up a notable group-stage clash with the host United States. Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler, 21, and Juventus forward Yildiz, 20, give Vincenzo Montella's side formidable attacking options that will test an unsettled American backline.

Guler's freedom to operate between the lines and Yildiz's aggressive one-on-one ability present distinct challenges for the United States midfield and defense. Turkey also carry the deeper quality of Hakan Calhanoglu within a well-organized tactical structure.

Kosovo's elimination ended a historic qualification campaign for the Balkan nation, which has yet to appear at a World Cup finals. The match drew massive domestic interest, with thousands gathering in central Pristina to watch on large screens outside the sold-out 13,000-capacity stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Roberto De Zerbi as their new head coach on a five-year contract, tasking the Italian with keeping the club in the Premier League with seven matches remaining. Spurs sit one point and one place above the relegation zone.

De Zerbi addressed his appointment directly.

"I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world," he said. "In all my discussions with the club's leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear — to build a team capable of reaching great achievements and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters."

Sporting director Johan Lange confirmed De Zerbi had been the club's primary target.

"He was our No. 1 target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now," Lange said.

De Zerbi replaces interim manager Igor Tudor, who collected one point from five league matches after stepping in for Thomas Frank in February. Spurs parted ways with Tudor by mutual consent following a home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The 44-year-old brings a strong track record. At Brighton and Hove Albion, he guided the club to sixth in the Premier League, their highest-ever finish, and Europa League qualification. His debut season at Olympique de Marseille ended with a second-place Ligue 1 finish and a Champions League berth, posting a 57% win rate, the finest of any Marseille manager this century.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously called De Zerbi "one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years." However, his tenure at Brighton ended amid tension over the club's ambition, and his spell at Marseille included several public disputes with players.

Spurs' first fixture under De Zerbi is at Sunderland on Sunday.

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is weighing tactical adjustments to help Christian Pulisic rediscover his scoring form ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Pulisic has gone seven straight USMNT matches without a goal. His last international strike came against Jamaica in November 2024, and he has not scored for club or country at any point in 2026.

Pochettino hinted at potential changes to get his star attacker closer to goal.

"Maybe we help a little bit to [get him] a little bit more closer to the goal," Pochettino said. "That is an idea after Saturday that is in my mind. We need to assess with the medical staff and the coaching staff and the player."

Pulisic generated three shot attempts in Saturday's 5-2 loss to Belgium but converted none. Across his last 12 appearances for AC Milan, he has gone scoreless on 29 attempts, adding just one assist.

Pochettino identified defensive lapses and insufficient intensity as the primary factors in the Belgium defeat, expressing frustration that his team's finishing failed to match its chance creation.

"My gut feeling, it wasn't good," Pochettino said. "Because when we scored, [it] should be the third goal, not the first one."

The Argentine pointed to France's 3-1 victory over Colombia as the competitive standard he demands.

"They play like this was the final of the World Cup," Pochettino said. "The players need to believe in that. If not, what are we doing here?"

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has emerged as Real Madrid's primary alternative should their pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri collapse this summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton also remains on Madrid's radar as a third option.

Fernandez left his Stamford Bridge future unresolved following Chelsea's Champions League elimination, fueling speculation over a potential move.

"I don't know," Fernandez said. "My focus is here for now. We have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup coming up so we'll see after that."

Signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a then-British record $141 million, Fernandez remains under contract through 2032. Any Madrid approach would require a substantial financial commitment.

Rodri remains Madrid's first choice despite lengthy knee and hamstring injuries. According to Football Insider, a bid near $66 million could persuade City to sanction his exit.

The Ballon d'Or winner made his intentions toward Madrid explicit at Spain's international camp.

"Would I like to play in Spain again, in La Liga, in Madrid? I would like to return, yes, obviously," Rodri said. "You can't turn down one of the world's best clubs."

Madrid have maintained long-standing interest in Rodri, though his injury record and availability this summer remain key variables in their transfer planning.

Manchester United are nearing a contract agreement with defender Harry Maguire, whose current deal expires in June, ESPN sources report. Negotiations have been described as constructive, with both sides confident a resolution is close.

The proposed extension would run through 2027, with an option for an additional season that could keep Maguire at Old Trafford until June 2028. Several other Premier League clubs had expressed interest in the 33-year-old.

Maguire has earned the new terms through strong recent form under manager Michael Carrick. He has started 10 consecutive matches and earned a recall to the England national team, playing the full 90 minutes in Friday's 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley.

The center back will miss United's April 13 home fixture against Leeds United due to a red card in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Carrick is monitoring the fitness of Lisandro Martinez ahead of the Leeds match. Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back injury, leaving the club short on experienced defensive options.

ESPN sources also confirmed United are in separate talks with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo regarding a long-term extension. Mainoo, 20, is currently contracted through 2027 with a one-year option. Negotiations aim to provide the emerging talent with a deal reflecting his standing as an established first-team contributor.

Newcastle United will not allow Sandro Tonali to depart on anything other than the club's terms, chief executive David Hopkinson confirmed to The Athletic. Multiple anonymous sources also report no informal agreement exists permitting the Italian midfielder to leave this summer.

Tonali remains under contract through 2029, with an additional one-year option available. Sources describe the relationship between club and player as one of genuine mutual respect.

Hopkinson addressed potential summer departures directly.

"We haven't got an overall strategy with regards players out, necessarily," Hopkinson said. "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer. But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms, and we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

The reference to Alexander Isak signals Newcastle's firm stance on star player retention. The club demonstrated similar resolve during last summer's transfer window.

Tonali's projected transfer valuation places his acquisition out of reach for most Premier League sides. Comparable midfielders, including Enzo Fernandez, Moise Caicedo and Declan Rice, each commanded fees exceeding $115 million in recent windows.

Arsenal expressed interest earlier this season but held back due to financial constraints. Manchester City and Manchester United have also monitored Tonali's situation, though United sources downplayed any serious pursuit.

Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing Roberto de Zerbi as their next permanent head coach following the departure of Igor Tudor, according to multiple sources. The club's chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange are leading the search.

Tudor left by mutual consent Sunday after just 44 days in charge. Spurs had resolved to part ways with the Croatian following last weekend's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, which left the club one point above the relegation zone, but allowed him time to grieve the death of his father before making the move official.

De Zerbi, available since departing Marseille earlier this season, is understood to be the primary target. Initial indications suggest the former Brighton boss is open to the position, but would prefer to wait until the end of the season to confirm whether Tottenham remain in the Premier League, according to BBC Sport sources.

It remains unclear whether Spurs will push for an immediate commitment from De Zerbi or allow him to delay a decision until the campaign concludes.

Sean Dyche has emerged as a short-term alternative. The former Everton and Forest manager has a strong track record of keeping clubs in the top flight, a directly relevant credential given Tottenham's current standing. However, Dyche is understood to be seeking a minimum 18-month contract, which could complicate negotiations.

Mauricio Pochettino remains a popular choice among supporters given his previous tenure at the club, but his commitment to leading the United States at this summer's World Cup makes an immediate appointment highly unlikely.

Interim options with Spurs connections include Ryan Mason, Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood and current player Ben Davies. Adi Hutter, Glenn Hoddle and Chris Hughton have also been considered for a short-term role.