انتهت مباراة العراق والإمارات، في الملحق الآسيوي المؤهل إلى كأس العالم منذ قليل على ملعب محمد بن زايد.

واستضاف المنتخب الإماراتي نظيره العراقي، في ذهاب الملحق الآسيوي المؤهل إلى كأس العالم، حيث حسم التعادل الإيجابي بنتيجة 1-1 اللقاء.

طالع.. المنتخبات الآسيوية المتأهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026 بعد نهاية التصفيات

 وسجل منتخب العراق هدفه في الدقيقة 9 عن طريق علي الحمادي بينما جاء هدف الإمارات في الدقيقة 18عن طريق لوان بيريرا.

ويقام الملحق الآسيوني بنظام الذهاب والإياب، بين الإمارات والعراق، والفائز منهما يتأهل إلى ملحق عالمي يقام في مارس 2026، يتأهل من خلاله منتخبان من جميع القارات التي ستخوض الملحق إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026. موعد مباراة العراق والإمارات في إياب ملحق كأس العالم

وتقام مباراة الإياب بين العراق والإمارات يوم الثلاثاء 18 نوفمبر الجاري في تمام الساعة السادسة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، السابعة مساءً بتوقيت بغداد ومكة المكرمة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت أبو ظبي.

With the BPL embroiled in fixing allegations, the BCB’s new anti-corruption consultant is designing a new integrity unit

Mohammad Isam19-Aug-2025Alex Marshall, the new consultant to the BCB’s anti-corruption department, wants to strengthen the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) so that it doesn’t look like a “vulnerable” competition to bookies and other corruptors. Marshall, who was the ICC’s anti-corruption unit general manager until September last year, has been appointed by the BCB for a year.He arrived in Dhaka on Monday, and met BCB president Aminul Islam and the rest of the directors on Tuesday. Marshall said he would look at every aspect of the BPL, including team ownership structure, so that the tournament’s foundation is less susceptible to corruption.”The biggest threat to any franchise league around the world is when it appears vulnerable,” Marshall said. “That’s why we need to ensure the BPL does not give off that impression. The way the tournament is run, how finances are managed, and how team ownership is structured – all of these must be handled at a high, professional standard and properly safeguarded.Related

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BCB on the slow lane to freedom

BCB forms independent body to probe BPL corruption allegations

“The reality is, if a franchise league isn’t seen as professional and well-protected, it eventually becomes a target for corruptors. We’ve seen this happen in many countries, and the BPL has also faced issues in the past. That’s why it’s essential for a new integrity unit to provide the protection the league needs.”The fallout from the BPL’s last season, which finished in February this year, is still making headlines in Bangladesh. The board appointed an independent investigation committee following a swirl of corruption allegations in the BPL. Eight months on, the three-member committee is still wrapping up its investigation, with the BCB expecting the primary report later this month. The committee has reportedly uncovered several spot-fixing cases in the last five BPL seasons, including the 2024-25 edition.The BCB is also still dealing with two franchises, Durbar Rajshahi and Chittagong Kings, who have dues pending with the board and players. The BCB recently released a statement detailing how much they are owed by Chittagong. BPL apart, the BCB’s anti-corruption unit is also investigating a controversial stumping incident in last season’s Dhaka Premier League, the country’s main List A competition.Alex Marshall: ‘I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh’•Getty ImagesMarshall said he had found the full support of the BCB’s directors, including president Aminul, as he looks to redesign the anti-corruption unit. He said much would depend on how much the unit can educate players, coaches and officials to shield them from corruptors.”I am working with the board and the president to design an integrity unit that gives the right level of protection that is deserved within Bangladesh,” Marshall said. “I will complete that design over the next three or four weeks, and I will then present that back to the board for their sign-off.”Therefore, after that point, you would see the implementation of the unit. But that’s just one moment of creating something. The effort needs to be long-term education, [and] protection. And if someone breaches the rules, they need to know they will be investigated and they will be prosecuted.”

Julian Nagelsmann has broken with Germany's traditional captaincy protocol, opting to name Bayern Munich defender Jonathan Tah as the stand-in captain for the injured Joshua Kimmich against Luxembourg. This decision means Nagelsmann overlooked Leroy Sane, the most-capped player in the current squad, despite the customary practice of awarding the armband to the most experienced figure in the absence of regular captains.

• Tah named Germany's stand-in skipper

  Nagelsmann, the Germany national coach, officially announced Tah as the captain for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. The decision comes after regular captain Kimmich was ruled out due to injury, along with vice-captains Antonio Rudiger and Kai Havertz.

  Speaking at a press conference, Nagelsmann stated: "Jonathan Tah will replace him. We appointed a team council before the Nations League – not many of them are left because some are injured. Jona is the only one remaining. He's having a good season and deserves it. I don't know if he already knows. But now he does – and I hope he doesn't get nervous."

  Tah, 29, currently plays for Bayern Munich and has been in strong form. His selection marks a departure from a long-standing tradition within the German national team, which typically sees the armband given to the most-capped player present in the squad when the primary captains are unavailable.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Nagelsmann bypasses Sane for captaincy

  The decision to appoint Tah means Nagelsmann has bypassed Sane, who with 70 international appearances, is the most-capped player in the current Germany squad in the absence of Kimmich, Rudiger, and Havertz. This move is particularly significant given Nagelsmann's recent public warnings to Sane about his performance and commitment.

  When questioned by Bild about why Sane, 29, was not given the armband, Nagelsmann explained: "I didn't make up this rule. But I think it makes sense to have a team council – and to actually use it." This indicates a shift towards prioritising players from the established leadership group, or "team council," over mere experience in terms of caps.

  The decision to overlook Sane, especially after his recent return to the squad following an absence from the previous two international matches, underscores Nagelsmann's intent to set clear expectations for the Galatasaray winger. Nagelsmann has been vocal about his belief that Sane will have to excel on a regular basis for Galatasaray if he is to earn his place in the squad after opting for a "worse" league than the Bundesliga by joining the Turkish giants.

• Sane under scrutiny despite Nagelsmann tough love

  Sane has been under considerable scrutiny from Nagelsmann, who has publicly questioned his consistency and commitment since his move to Galatasaray. Nagelsmann had previously warned Sane that he would not be given "countless" opportunities to prove himself at the national team level.

  These comments drew criticism from figures like Matthias Sammer and Lothar Matthaus, who argued that Sane, as an "individualist," might respond better to a more supportive approach. However, Nagelsmann has maintained his stance, asserting that Sane "can handle pressure better" and "doesn’t have to prove anything great to me, I know what he can do, and I want him to bring what he can do onto the pitch."

  Sane's return to the Germany squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia marked his first inclusion since the Nations League finals in June. He has since shown improved form for Galatasaray, scoring three goals and delivering three assists in 15 appearances across the Super Lig and Champions League. Despite this, Nagelsmann's decision to not hand him the captaincy reinforces the message that performance and adherence to team principles are paramount.

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• Germany close in on World Cup qualification

  Germany enter the match against Luxembourg with the aim of securing their place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs. They are currently level on points with Slovakia in their qualification group, with Northern Ireland three points behind. A strong performance in their final two matches is crucial to confirm their spot in the competition proper.

  The match against Luxembourg will be followed by a fixture against Slovakia. Nagelsmann will be looking to avoid a repeat of their last encounter with Slovakia, where Germany suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat. The selection of Jonathan Tah as captain, a steady and reliable defender, might be seen as a move to inject stability and a strong defensive presence into the team's leadership for these important games.

Arsenal have a brimming pipeline of exciting young talent and could be set to add prodigious Montpellier gem Laciné Megnan-Pavé to their ranks if they can fight off competition for his services.

Fighting on all fronts, the Gunners have began to call on the strength of their squad in recent times, evidenced in the fact that Andre Harriman-Annous starred in their victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.

Clearly, there is room for developing talent to feature under Mikel Arteta should youngsters impress at underage level. With his side top of the Premier League and seeking to go deep into multiple competitions, domestic matches outwith the top-flight may be the breeding ground to blood more of their academy.

However, chances for Hale End prodigies may dry up amid positive injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz. Strength in depth is key for the Gunners, and supporters will be delighted that the Spaniard will soon have added flexibility ahead of the festive fixture list.

Adding context, he added: “I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team, the huge boost that is going to be for the squad to have those players available again after such a long time. I’m really happy that I think it’s going to be very soon.”

His happiness may be about to multiply, given Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta already appears to have one eye on the next youngster to enter the conveyor belt of bristiling talent at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fighting Barcelona for Montpellier sensation Laciné Megnan-Pavé

According to Sport.fr, Arsenal are looking to sign Montpellier youngster Laciné Megnan-Pavé and sporting director Berta will look to beat the might of Barcelona to land the services of the exciting goalscorer.

At just 15 years of age, he is already captain of France’s Under-16 squad and has shown a demonstrable track record of hitting the target after notching 15 goals and 12 assists in 24 games last season.

Now under observation due to his ‘explosive’ profile, murmurs insist that Montpellier will offer him a three-year professional contract once he turns 16, albeit the notion of making your name at an elite club like Arsenal may be difficult to turn down.

Physically, he stands at 6ft 1in and is more than a match for defenders despite still having plenty of years to grow, adding another layer of intrigue as the Gunners look to secure his services.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been dealt an injury doubt ahead of their crunch Premier League clash with Man United.

Saturday’s early kick-off promises fireworks as Spurs host the Red Devils in North London.

With the two sides coming in off near-identical records of five wins and three losses from their first 10 league matches, with both also scoring 17 goals, this face-off could prove pivotal in the race for European qualification.

Tottenham’s home form has been a significant concern, with the club sitting 17th in the home standings despite topping the away form table this season. Meanwhile, no other Premier League side has lost more home games than the Lilywhites in 2025.

Frank’s side suffered another N17 setback last weekend, registering a lowly expected goals figure of just 0.1 in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea – the lowest by any Premier League team this season.

However, their midweek 4-0 thrashing of Copenhagen in the Champions League offered a glimpse of their attacking potential, with defender Micky van de Ven bagging a stunning solo goal which drew comparisons to Son Heung-min’s famous Burnley strike in 2019.

Xavi Simons

8.1

Micky van de Ven

8.1

Wilson Odobert

7.9

Pedro Porro

7.8

Randal Kolo Muani

7.6

via WhoScored

In terms of the recent head-to-heads between Spurs and United, the former reigns supreme.

Tottenham are unbeaten against tomorrow’s visitors in their last seven meetings across all competitions, winning five and drawing two, including that historic Europa League final win in Bilbao earlier this year.

What’s more, if they beat them again tomorrow, it’ll be the first time they’ve won three league games in a row against United since 1960.

However, the injury situation adds another layer of complexity for Spurs. They currently have the longest absentee list in the Premier League with 10 players sidelined, including Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

In the aftermath of Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen, star winger Mohammed Kudus strongly hinted he could be fit to face United after missing their European clash with a knock, and Frank has now provided an update on the Ghanaian.

Tottenham star Mohammed Kudus a doubt to face Man United this weekend

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank explained that Kudus is “touch and go” to face United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — meaning he might not be ready on time depending on developments.

Potentially being without Kudus would undoubtedly be a bitter blow for Frank, considering the £150,000-per-week star has stood out as their star attacker this campaign.

No other Premier League player has averaged more takes-ons per 90 than the African this season, and he’s currently among the division’s top five best-performing players overall, according to WhoScored.

United arrive in north London with genuine momentum and are unbeaten in their last four league matches with three wins and a draw, their joint-best run under Ruben Amorim.

They’ve been particularly potent in attack too, netting two or more goals in their last four outings. Bruno Fernandes has been instrumental, with the 31-year-old now looking to assist in three consecutive away appearances for the first time since November 2020.

It is perhaps the worst time to face United right now, so Frank will be hoping that Kudus can indeed take part after his electrifying start to life at the club.

Manchester United’s summer transfer window has, in many ways, been a success so far. Benjamin Sesko has already scored a couple of Premier League goals, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens has been so good that fans are already comparing him to Peter Schmeichel.

As for their two other attacking signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both players have hit he ground running. Mbeumo already has six goals and assists in that famous Red shirt, which included a goal away to Liverpool.

As for Cunha, he got off the mark against Brighton and Hove Albion a couple of weeks ago.

The new attacking duo could be on their way to forming the best front line since the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Why Cunha & Mbeumo can be the best post-Fergie pairing

It has certainly been a fast start to life at Old Trafford for Cunha and Mbeumo. They have both made good impressions, with the Brazilian starring without scoring too many goals, and their number 19 providing that cutting edge.

As two individual players, both attackers are quite different. Cunha is a player who loves the ball at his feet, driving forward with flair. Mbeumo is more of an inside forward, cutting inside on his left foot and always looking to score.

But it is this uniqueness that makes them so deadly as a duo.

There is certainly a case to be made that they could form part of the best frontline since Ferguson departed the club back in 2013. United have had some excellent attackers in that time.

Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford had an unstoppable partnership and combined for 22 goals.

Cunha and Mbeumo are only a short way into their Old Trafford career, but it is easy to see how they can become the best attacking partnership since Ferguson retired. They have a good blend of skills which work well together.

However, they are perhaps not the most Ferguson-coded players in United’s squad.

United’s most Ferguson-coded player

Living up to the legacy left by those legendary teams under Ferguson has not been easy for the Red Devils. In fact, only a handful, including the likes of Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, have really managed that.

However, someone in more recent times who has shone in a United shirt is Ivorian winger Amad. Despite operating as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim and being tasked with more defensive responsibility, he has thrived in the last few seasons.

The “explosive” winger, as Statman Dave called him, has shone at United after being given a true opportunity last season.

In 74 games for the club, he’s bagged 15 goals and assisted 14. They’ve come at a good rate, too, with the Red Devils’ number 16 averaging a goal involvement every 148 minutes.

Games

74

Minutes

4309

Goals

15

Assists

14

Mins per G/A

148

G/A per game

0.4

Amad’s most recent strike came at the weekend against Nottingham Forest. It was a sensational effort to equalise for United late on, striking a first time volley sweetly with his left foot.

The former Atalanta player has picked up a habit of scoring those late goals for his side. He’s bagged ten times in the Premier League, which, according to Opta, ‘have been scored in the second half of matches, which is a competition record for most goals by a player when all of them have been netted in the second half’.

He is certainly a Ferguson-coded player. Amad has picked up a habit of scoring late goals for the Red Devils, be it winners or equalisers, like at the weekend. Of course, that was a key theme in the Ferguson era.

United used to score so many goals late on under their legendary former manager. It became such an important phase of the game for his side that stoppage time was dubbed ‘Fergie Time,’ as it is still known today.

Imagine Amad in that side under Ferguson, popping up with a last-minute goal. The Ivorian has certainly made a habit of it, and he could have been a key player late on in games back in the 26-year reign the Scot had at Old Trafford.

Amorim can end Dalot's Man Utd career by unleashing £48m "monster"

This Man Utd ace will be back from injury soon

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 5, 2025

There’s no secret to Dewald Brevis’ big-hitting except perhaps a divine one if you believe the man himself, after his record-breaking antics in the second T20I against Australia in Darwin.Brevis scored 125*, which is the highest by a South African in T20Is and he became the youngest South African centurion in the format. He also put on one of the best examples of clean stroke-play down the ground. Brevis hit more than half his runs in the “V”, including six of his eight sixes, in what his captain Aiden Markram told the post-match broadcast was a “freakish display” of talent that Brevis himself can’t really explain.”That’s just my natural way of hitting,” he said at the press conference afterwards. “I’ve hit thousands of balls and I just want to go out there, enjoy it and have fun and just watch it and then if it’s there, it happens. I don’t try to do it, I’m just trying to be myself and have fun and watch the ball and then it happens.”Related

• Australia in unfamiliar territory in T20I series decider against South Africa

• Bosch handed demerit point for Dwarshuis send-off in second T20I

• Brevis' record-breaking 125* sets up series-levelling victory

• Breathtaking Brevis betters du Plessis to smash SA's highest score in T20Is

But that was only after he made a commitment to himself a little more than eight months ago. “I believe God blessed me with a talent to play like that, to play aggressively. Last year, on 28 December, I made that commitment. I got a few people, they know who they are, who I trust and the main thing was just to be the original Dewald and to be on that side of it and every ball, wherever it is, to watch it and to hit it.”The words “be myself,” and “original Dewald,” are the most notable because when Brevis first made his name it was actually by a nickname: Baby AB. He earned that moniker around the same time as he finished as the leading run-scorer in the 2022 under-19 World Cup and embraced it. AB de Villiers, after whom Brevis was named, is still a role model to him but walking around as his successor weighed heavily on Brevis. Only five runs came from his first T20Is, in 2023, and he was sent back to the domestic set-up to grow his game and, as it turns out, his own name.Since then Brevis has torn up record books at home and is also the holder of the country’s highest score in domestic T20s: 162. Last summer, he was a key figure in MICT’s run to the SA20 title and also the second-highest run-scorer in both the first-class and List A competitions. Being dropped turned out to be just the opportunity he needed to prove himself.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“I’ve always believed that this is where I need to be and where I will be, so I never had any doubt or anything,” he said. “It’s all about cricket, how things work out. It is a roller coaster, you have your ups, you have your downs but I have never ever doubted myself.”But did he wish it could have happened as quickly as everyone thought it would? “I would have loved to be here earlier but that’s all a part of your journey and that’s what makes you stronger. That’s why I’m here now,” he said. “It’s a reason for how I’m playing now. I had to make all those mistakes that all of the senior players actually warned me I would make. They told me to watch out for this, do this, do that and then I basically did exactly the opposite, so it’s important to go through that and to be able to be here now.”Some of those mistakes included buying into the hype of a label he didn’t ask for; others were going too hard too early and the most recent of them was not knowing whose record he broke as the holder South Africa’s highest individual score in T20Is. “It’s Jacques Kallis,” he said confidently, before being told it is actually Faf du Plessis.”So I got it wrong,” he laughed. “I didn’t know, but it’s obviously a privilege and an honour and there’s not a lot of words, I’m just extremely grateful and excited for what lies ahead.”And already he has promised it will be plenty as he hinted this innings was just a taster of what’s to come. “This is just the start, if I could say it like that,” he said. “I just want to keep working hard, do the same things and the next match is the next match. So this 100, I can enjoy it now, think a bit about it, watch it maybe, but then when the next match comes, it’s completely a new match and anything can happen.”

Pakistan were hurt by dot balls while batting and in managing the fifth-bowling options while bowling

Danyal Rasool10-Aug-2025

Jayden Seales flew high in a match-winning three-for•AFP/Getty Images

West Indies overcame Pakistan’s spinners as well as the weather to power home by five wickets to level the ODI series 1-1. In a chase which ebbed and flowed, a blitz from Sherfane Rutherford and a controlled innings at the death by Roston Chase saw them home with ten balls to spare.Their task was made significantly harder than it might have been when Jayden Seales’ standout fast-bowling performance had restricted Pakistan to 171 for 7 in 37 overs. The target was slightly upwards (181 in 35 overs) of what was scored owing to multiple rain delays in the first innings.Pakistan were put in to bat first and played stodgy cricket inconsistent with the decade they were playing in. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub found the occasional powerplay boundary but interspersed it with strings of dot deliveries; the first ten overs had just five singles taken. When Seales’ extra pace and Shai Hope’s canny field placement extracted an outside edge from Ayub in the ninth over, it was the ninth successive ball the left-hand batter had faced that had not produced a run.Mohammad Rizwan couldn’t make up for a slow start•AFP/Getty Images

Three balls later, Babar Azam was cleaned up by a Seales special that burst through the gate and made a mess of his stumps, and put West Indies firmly on top.It brought Mohammad Rizwan out, but he appeared to have left positivity behind in the dressing room – he scored just 4 off his first 23 deliveries. A shower that delayed play by 90 minutes did not help Pakistan find their rhythm. Jediah Blades took his maiden ODI wicket by drawing an edge from Shafique that ended his battle of an innings the over after play resumed.As run-scoring increasingly became a struggle, West Indies’ bowlers – spinners and seamers alike – kept making inroads. Gudakesh Motie trapped the Pakistan captain in front. Chase got a ball to keep low and produce an under edge off Hussain Talat’s bat to conclude his comparatively brighter innings. Salman Agha struggled to see any scoring area beside the little dab to deep third, and when Shamar Joseph surprised him with the straighter bouncer, a top edge sent him packing.Multiple rain breaks curtailed Pakistan’s innings•AFP/Getty Images

A further rain delay truncated the game to Pakistan’s benefit with the innings winding down, allowing Hasan Nawaz to go for broke in what became seven death overs. Cruelly for Pakistan, though, that stubborn cloud unloaded its contents upon the Brian Lara Stadium once more just as he had begun to get going. That little passage of play saw 32 scored in 3.1 overs, but Pakistan were denied a big finish with their final three overs wiped out.West Indies were set an entirely manageable target, though Hasan Ali’s opening salvo soon cast that expectation into jeopardy. Wickets in each of his first two overs sent the openers back, and the hosts found themselves stuck in the same mire that had dogged Pakistan. Rizwan, sensing an opportunity to strangle, brought the spinners on after six overs, with Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed producing the desired results.The scoring rate briefly slowed to a trickle, particularly as far as Keacy Carty was concerned. His first 26 balls produced just three singles, piling the pressure on his captain at the other end. An intriguing plot point concerned Pakistan’s fifth bowling option; the one over Ayub had bowled leaked 10, and another from Salman shed another 11.Sherfane Rutherford took Shaheen Afridi down in the 17th over•AFP/Getty Images

With a newly arrived Rutherford at the crease and the asking rate over six, Rizwan made the fateful decision of turning to Shaheen Afridi, and the batter picked his moment. Two fours and a six saw him plunder 17 that over, and with Rizwan turning immediately to the part-timer Salman, another 20 were lopped off the target.It bought West Indies the cushion to see off the primary spinners Abrar and Mohammad Nawaz more respectfully, but the pair wasn’t content with containment. Nawaz found extra turn to have Hope stumped before, in what felt like a game-turning moment, he induced Rutherford into a smear that found square leg. It was part of an eight-over period that saw just 17 scored, but just as significantly, Pakistan had bowled out Nawaz.Chase slapped a couple of sixes the following Ayub over to wrench the asking rate below six once more, and it was there that it would stay for the rest of the game.The returning fast bowlers never packed the same threat, and West Indies began to milk them in addition to finding the odd boundary that took the game further out of the visitors’ reach. Justin Greaves had looked uncertain against the turn, but was impressively assured now, a wristy flick over mid-on for six off Hasan perhaps the shot of the innings. By now, the equation was purely mathematical, With Chase’s crisp drive through the off side sealing a topsy-turvy win on a day that promised each outcome at certain points, before settling on the one the Trinidad crowd had come to witness.

With a few big names out, Mauricio Pochettino has brought in some old faces who are set to prove they deserve a shot at the roster going forward

A national team camp is a strange thing – especially when there’s nothing tangible to play for. The USMNT find themselves in an unusual position: World Cup qualification is already secured, and there’s no real pressure to win over the next two weeks. But with the tournament on home soil fast approaching, the vibes for friendlies have never been more intense. And with public scrutiny only intensifying, what actually happens on the pitch matters way more than in any normal friendly. 

Of course, if the U.S. were full strength, this would be more of a test than an uncertain couple of weeks. Christian Pulisic has just returned from injury and was reportedly held out of this camp by AC Milan as a precaution. Tyler Adams is also sidelined, while Chris Richards was reportedly kept back by Crystal Palace. Yunus Musah has fallen out of favor recently, and Weston McKennie will watch from home after being left out of the squad.

That does leave a little room for some people to impress. Gio Reyna is the headline addition. But there are others, too, who could make an impact in what most will hope is set to be the final camp of uncertainty ahead of the 2026 cycle…

Getty Images SportGio Reyna

Let's get the obvious one out of the way. By all of Pochettino's supposed metrics, Reyna should not be here. Pochettino himself admitted that Reyna does not fit his vibe of "only call in guys who are playing consistent minutes." Reyna, he claimed, is a special case. 

And so the rollercoaster ride of Reyna and USMNT will continue. Pochettino has seen, in glimpses, what Gio Reyna can look like, full of creativity and verve. The manager, then, is probably hoping to use the next two weeks – and, by extension, next summer – to get that version out of him. Of course, this is a coaching job. But it is also a little bit on Reyna. Odds are, he will get his chances here, especially with Christian Pulisic still recovering from injury. 

"Success", in this case, is mightily subjective. But at a bare minimum, Reyna needs to show that some of that maverick quality that made him so good, so young, can be rediscovered on the national team stage. 

AdvertisementGettyAuston Trusty

This one feels a little like a math equation. Pochettino, we know, is probably going to use three center backs going forward. Two of them seem to be nailed on starters. Chris Richards is entering the too-good-for-Crystal-Palace phase of his career. Tim Ream is old, but incredibly reliable and the closest thing soccer can offer to a "glue guy." That leaves one spot up for grabs.

And right now, there are a slew of options. Mark McKenzie has been solid for Toulouse. Miles Robinson has done his part for FC Cincinnati. Cameron Carter-Vickers, who partners Trusty at Celtic, is certainly in the mix – albeit injured for the next few months. Noahkai Banks might have the highest ceiling of all of them, but this cycle is probably four years too early for the Augsburg man – talent notwithstanding.

With that, we return to Trusty, who might be the kind of seasoned presence to make an impact. He's played in MLS, the Premier League, the EFL Championship, and, now, the Scottish Premier League (albeit for a struggling Celtic). Whether that makes him a starter or not remains to be seen, but a good camp could certainly have him in the mix. 

GettyTanner Tessmann

Tessmann is a puzzling one. He didn't quite hit the ground running at Lyon last season after an encouraging three years at Venezia yo-yoing between Serie A and Serie B. He struggled at times, and was in and out of the lineup. But this season, thus far, he has impressed. The midfielder has added goals to his game, and looks freed in a more attacking Lyon set up. 

But translating his form to the national team has been difficult. Tessmann was arguably the U.S.'s best player against Ecuador in the first of two friendlies in October, but has otherwise been rather inconsistent. And with Pochettino favoring some of his counterparts in MLS, Tessmann finds himself on the bubble – despite having the talent to push for a spot in Pochettino's best XI. The good news? There would seem to be an opportunity here for him to show what he can do. Tyler Adams is out, which leaves Tessmann and Roldan as the most likely midfield pivot. There's a world in which that duo works a charm and propels Tessmann into genuine conversations about sealing a spot for the World Cup. 

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Getty Images SportBrenden Aaronson

This isn't a question of "should Brenden Aaronson make the U.S. squad?" He has proven, consistently, that he deserves to be in the mix on effort alone. It is no secret, either, that managers love him for his work rate and willingness to run with and without the ball. Aaronson is a coach's darling, and even if that doesn't always manifest itself in goals and assists, he will be on the plane. 

Rather, this is more of a depth chart thing. Aaronson is unfortunate, in a sense, that he plays at the U.S.'s deepest position. Pulisic will start on the left, through the middle, or one of the dual 10s that Pochettino seems to like. Malik Tillman probably has the other spot nailed down, while Diego Luna, Tim Weah, Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie are all in the mix. This depends on tactical tweaks, of course, but the broader point is that there isn't an easy path to minutes for Aaronson. That's not something that can be sorted overnight. It might not even be sealed in a couple of games, either. But Aaronson has stood out for a struggling Leeds side, and shown that, just maybe, there might be a bit of attacking quality creeping into his game. Prove that to his manager, and there could be a pathway to minutes. 

While his performances left a lot to be desired last season, Martin Odegaard is likely to remain Arsenal’s captain for some time to come.

The Norwegian international was made the Gunners’ permanent captain by Mikel Arteta in the summer of 2022.

Able to score goals, control the tempo of games, and create chances for his teammates, the former Real Madrid wonderkid was starting to get back to his best before his latest injury and will undoubtedly be a big miss for the next month.

However, while it seems unlikely that he will lose the armband anytime soon, there are several players in the squad who could succeed him, including one young talent in particular.

Arsenal's captains in waiting

The excellent news for Arteta is that currently, his squad is full to bursting with international superstars who’d be more than capable of taking the captain’s armband if Odegaard were to relinquish it or leave the club.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One option that would go down brilliantly with the Emirates faithful is Bukayo Saka, as not only is he truly one of their own, but he’s already worn it on multiple occasions.

Moreover, the Hale Ender is without a doubt the most talented attacker in the side and someone who clearly has the mental fortitude for that sort of pressure.

At the other end of the pitch, both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães could be excellent options.

The Frenchman is widely considered one of the most cultured defenders in the league, and with a new five-year deal signed, his commitment to the project is unquestionable.

Likewise, his Brazilian partner is a player who’d run through walls for the team, someone in the mould of Tony Adams who can get the crowd on their feet with a crunching tackle or a thundering headed goal from a corner.

Moreover, while Arsenal have been labelled pushovers and meek in the past, Saliba and Gabriel are anything but, and two of the reasons why the North Londoners are seen as so physical these days.

Finally, the name most fans would probably put forward as an immediate successor to Odegaard is Declan Rice.

The all-action midfielder wore the armband for West Ham United, and has now done the same for England and is simply one of the most reliable performers in the team.

On top of that, he’s vocal on the pitch, clearly passionate and embodies what many view as an old-school captain.

However, while all of these players could become Arsenal’s captain in the future, there is another, younger star who could be the one to take the armband off Odegaard when he’s ready to give it up.

Arsenal's future captain

One of the big positives for Arsenal last season was the emergence and development of young talents, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The Hale Ender made his debut for the team against Manchester City in September, was a core member of the starting lineup by the end of the campaign, and, while it might sound extreme, is someone who could take the armband from Odegaard in the future.

In fact, according to club insider Hand of Arsenal, the teenager is very much seen as a “future captain” thanks largely to him already having the “mentality of a seasoned veteran.”

Whether or not you agree that he could become the team’s leader, it’s impossible to deny that the Islington-born gem is already playing well beyond his years.

For example, he ended last season having made 39 first-team appearances, 26 of which were starts, with two of those coming in wins at home and away against Real Madrid.

Appearances

39

Starts

26

Minutes

2306′

Goals

1

Assists

2

Points per Game

1.95

Moreover, he opened his account for the Gunners with a sensational strike against City, and then, while he received plenty of criticism for it, showed an incredible level of confidence by mocking Erling Haaland with his celebration.

As if that wasn’t enough, he then scored on his debut for England, and now has six senior caps to his name, and stands a real chance of making it to next year’s World Cup.

Ultimately, it is still very early in his career, but Lewis-Skelly is an extremely talented player and has already shown that he has the attitude to make it to the very top.

Therefore, there is every chance he could be the one to replace Odegaard as Arsenal’s captain at some point in the future.

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