Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected an approach from Inter Miami following his departure from Manchester City, instead setting his sights on a future role in international management.

The 54-year-old recently concluded a decade of unprecedented dominance at the Etihad Stadium and is now fully committed to taking a sabbatical to recharge with his family.

However, the Catalan tactician has privately expressed a burning ambition to lead a nation to World Cup glory when he eventually returns to the dugout.

The prospect of managing the England national team remains highly appealing to the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.

FA interest remains despite Tuchel appointment

The Football Association originally pursued the serial winner following Gareth Southgate’s resignation earlier this year, although an immediate deal proved impossible.

Thomas Tuchel is currently under contract to guide the Three Lions through to Euro 2028, having recently assumed control of the squad.

Despite this apparent security, the FA reportedly continues to keep the highly decorated coach at the top of their wishlist should future opportunities arise.

Beckham snubbed as City search continues

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham had made the legendary manager his primary target to replace Javier Mascherano in Major League Soccer.

The Florida-based franchise even delayed appointing a successor in a desperate bid to convince the tactical mastermind to relocate to the United States.

Those hopes have now been extinguished, with the outgoing coach signalling to the Miami hierarchy that attempting to change his mind would be a waste of time.

Back in Manchester, the Premier League champions are yet to name a permanent replacement, though former assistant Enzo Maresca is considered the frontrunner.

While stepping away from frontline coaching, the iconic figure will retain a connection to his former employers by becoming a global ambassador for the City Football Group.

Haitian footballer Woodensky Pierre has secured a United States visa from the Trump administration, allowing the nation’s only home-based player to travel to Florida this week for the upcoming World Cup.

Thecieux Jeanty, a spokesperson for the Caribbean nation’s football federation, confirmed the midfielder’s scheduled departure on Tuesday.

His participation had previously been in serious doubt due to expanding travel restrictions imposed on several countries by the American government.

“It was a great moment for him, a moment of happiness.”

Thecieux Jeanty, Haiti soccer federation spokesperson

Historic return to the global stage

The rest of the national squad arrived in America last week to begin preparations for only their second appearance at the prestigious tournament.

It has been more than half a century since the island nation last qualified for football’s biggest international competition.

While awaiting clearance, the Cite Soleil native was forced to maintain his fitness by training with local clubs in an upscale district of Port-au-Prince.

Rampant gang violence in the capital had previously rendered the team’s primary stadium too dangerous to use, forcing them to host home qualifiers in nearby Curaçao.

Tough tests await in the United States

The squad will conclude their warmup schedule with a pair of friendly matches against New Zealand and Peru over the coming days.

Their competitive campaign officially begins on 13 June when they face Scotland in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

A daunting encounter against five-time champions Brazil follows in Philadelphia on 19 June, before a final group-stage clash with Morocco in Atlanta.

The underdogs will be hoping to defy the odds this summer and secure one of the 32 available places in the knockout rounds.

The Afghan women’s football team has gathered for a training camp in New Zealand to prepare for international matches against the Cook Islands, marking a historic return after escaping the Taliban regime.

Twenty-three members of the Afghan Women United programme are currently training in Auckland ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

The squad’s journey back to the pitch has been a perilous one following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

That regime change immediately halted all women’s sports across the nation, forcing the players into hiding before a frantic evacuation effort.

Finding refuge and Fifa recognition

Thirteen members of the exiled roster ultimately found sanctuary in Australia, where they have continued to live and train.

Despite the Afghan football federation refusing to recognise them, football’s world governing body recently stepped in.

Fifa officially granted the displaced team eligibility for international competition this April.

“It was a special day that we heard that Afghanistan can represent again our flag in international tournaments,” said midfielder Mona Amini.

“This is the result of hard work that we did in the past four or five years.”

Rebuilding a fractured national squad

While a core group settled down under, other squad members are now scattered across Europe and the United States.

Coach Pauline Hamill has been tasked with organising talent identification camps to bring the dispersed players back together.

The resilient side already secured a symbolic victory seven months ago by defeating Libya in a friendly tournament.

For Melbourne-based goalkeeper Fatima Yousufi, regaining official status means everything to a group that lost their homes.

“We’re going to have the national team! That’s the greatest thing ever that could have happened,” she explained.

“It was super important to us, especially thinking of the time when we arrived in Australia and we had lost everything: family, our childhood memories and that national team.”

Playing for those left behind

The shot-stopper fled her homeland with just a single backpack to ensure her safety.

Now, the memories of those dark days serve as a powerful motivator for the entire group.

The athletes are determined to represent the women and girls who remain trapped under oppressive rule in their native country.

These upcoming matches in Auckland will be their first official competitive fixtures since 2018.

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been blocked from travelling to the United States with his World Cup squad after his electronic travel authorisation was suddenly placed under review on Tuesday.

The Swiss football federation confirmed the striker was unable to board the team’s scheduled flight to Los Angeles.

His travel permit had been approved until Tuesday morning before authorities unexpectedly flagged the document for further assessment.

“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then,” the federation stated.

A team spokesperson noted that the goalscorer had previously been granted entry to the US without any complications.

Opening fixtures approach

The national side are currently finalising their preparations for the upcoming tournament in North America.

They have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.

Their opening fixture will see them face the Canadians in Toronto on 12 June.

South Africa face similar disruption

The Swiss frontman is not the only participant to encounter administrative hurdles ahead of the global showcase.

South Africa were forced to delay their departure to the US from Sunday to Monday due to unresolved visa complications.

Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Sports Minister, took to social media to describe the situation as an embarrassing administrative error from team officials.

The South African Football Association held an emergency meeting over the weekend to resolve the disruption with assistance from foreign ministries.

Return to the global stage

This recent visa debacle follows previous scrutiny of the African nation’s management during their qualification campaign.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena previously featured in a match against Lesotho despite serving a suspension, which led to a forfeited victory.

Despite that deduction, the team successfully navigated their group to qualify for their first finals appearance since hosting the event in 2010.

They will begin their Group A campaign against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on 11 June, before facing the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva is on the verge of agreeing a deal to manage Benfica following the impending expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage this month.

The 48-year-old has been offered a new deal by the Premier League side but has so far refrained from committing his future to the London club.

Formal confirmation regarding his departure from the English capital is yet to be announced.

However, negotiations between the Portuguese tactician and the Lisbon giants have advanced significantly in recent days.

Return to Portugal looms for experienced coach

An agreement is now understood to be firmly within reach for the former Everton and Watford manager.

A move to the Estádio da Luz would mark a high-profile return to his homeland, where he previously enjoyed domestic cup success.

Fulham now face the daunting prospect of searching for a new leader ahead of the upcoming top-flight campaign.

Co-hosts Mexico will open the 2026 World Cup against South Africa on 11 June, kicking off a competitive Group A that also features South Korea and the Czech Republic.

The curtain-raiser at the Mexico City Stadium will be a direct repeat of the opening fixture from the 2010 tournament.

Javier Aguirre’s side will be looking to capitalise on strong home support across their group stage campaign.

Matches for this pool are scheduled to take place across multiple venues in Mexico and the United States.

Familiar foes meet again

Bafana Bafana famously drew 1-1 with the Central American nation when they hosted the global spectacle 16 years prior.

The African representatives will face a stern test against a highly experienced squad this time around.

Prominent names such as AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez and Fulham veteran Raul Jimenez feature in a seasoned Mexican frontline.

Fenerbahce midfielder Edson Alvarez is expected to provide essential defensive solidity for the tournament hosts.

Group A schedule and venues

Following the opening clash, the home nation will travel to the Estadio Chivas to face South Korea on 19 June.

Their final group stage encounter sees them return to the capital to take on the Czech Republic six days later.

Meanwhile, the South African camp must navigate a transatlantic trip to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their second fixture against the European qualifiers.

The crucial opening fixtures in Group A include:

The final round of matches on 25 June will decide who progresses to the knockout stages of the competition.

Squad composition

Domestic-based talent dominates the South African selection, heavily featuring players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

Burnley forward Lyle Foster offers crucial English Premier League experience to their attacking options.

Conversely, the co-hosts boast a strong contingent plying their trade in Europe’s top divisions alongside Liga MX regulars.

Both nations will be eager to establish early momentum as they aim for a deep run in the expanded tournament.

Oliver Glasner has published a heartfelt farewell letter to Crystal Palace supporters after stepping down as manager following their historic Europa Conference League triumph.

The trailblazing coach departs Selhurst Park as the most successful manager in the club’s history following a transformative two-year tenure.

He famously guided the Eagles to their first major silverware with an FA Cup victory last season.

That domestic success was followed by European glory, culminating in a dramatic final victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig last Wednesday.

A historic era ends at Selhurst Park

The Austrian tactician originally informed chairman Steve Parish of his intention to leave in October.

He opted against signing a contract extension to ensure a seamless transition at the end of the current campaign.

Addressing the fanbase directly, the departing boss expressed immense gratitude for his time in south London.

“It’s hard to explain how I feel leaving Crystal Palace after the last two years, but I have to say what a privilege it’s been working for the football club.”
“It’s a period that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Building a unique bond

The history-making manager arrived as an unknown quantity to many but quickly forged a deep connection with the loyal supporters.

“As I said last weekend, I arrived at Selhurst Park as a stranger, but now I feel like a South Londoner.”
“Palace really is unique, with a distinct energy rooted within the community and family at the core.”

While securing the Community Shield and Conference League trophies cemented his legacy, he emphasised that silverware was secondary to the unity forged at the club.

Changing the mindset

“What I’m most proud of is being part of a team that we’ve built together and the bond between players, backroom staff, Steve and the board, and most importantly you, the supporters.”

The historic European final in Germany provided a fitting conclusion to a golden chapter in the capital.

“We had the perfect ending in Leipzig; it was a game that showed just what this group have become.”
“A team that refuses to give in and backs each other every step of the way.”

Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish has announced he is undergoing treatment for cancer following an accidental post on social media.

The 75-year-old confirmed the news online, noting that the medical care he is receiving is progressing well.

He admitted the disclosure was entirely unintentional, blaming his technological struggles for the public update.

“Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.”

Sir Kenny Dalglish

The Scottish icon requested that his family’s privacy be respected during this period of recovery.

Anfield career and lasting legacy

He also expressed immense gratitude to his medical staff, praising their incredible care and discretion.

Dalglish is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the Merseyside club’s history.

Signed in 1977 to replace Kevin Keegan, the prolific forward made 515 appearances and scored 172 goals.

During his illustrious playing days, he helped secure six league titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup.

Outpouring of public support

The former Celtic striker later transitioned into a player-manager role between 1985 and 1990.

He subsequently returned for a second managerial stint at Anfield during the 2011-12 season.

Following the unexpected announcement, his son Paul shared a brief message of support online.

Liverpool Football Club also released a statement underlining their unwavering backing for their former talisman.

“The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.”

Liverpool FC