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Lee Carsley’s mission was accomplished and it took only a matter of minutes before the Football Association thanked England’s interim manager for a job well done.

It came immediately after a 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, leaving Carsley to return to his role as England Under-21 coach, with a record of five wins from six games and the incoming Thomas Tuchel able to take control of a team back in the top tier of the Nations League.

FA chief executive officer Mark Bullingham announced Carsley will also deliver “a very detailed handover” to the German before his arrival as England head coach on 1 January.
Carsley’s time in charge has had its complications, the biggest self-inflicted with his wild “no striker” team selection that was the catalyst for the embarrassing home defeat by Greece in October, a result that ultimately denied him the opportunity to leave with an unblemished record.

The 50-year-old also got caught up in chaotic mixed messaging about whether he wanted the job or not, especially when he appeared to rule himself out, and then in again, just minutes after last month’s 3-1 victory in Finland – matters made worse by the FA later revealing Tuchel had already been signed and sealed even before the Greece loss.
When measured by results and player development during his six games, however, Carsley can reflect on a job very well done, revealing himself to be a coach willing to make bold decisions, giving youth its head while adopting a fearless approach to selection.
It backfired horribly against Greece but there is still plenty of positive, optimistic news he can provide Tuchel when that report lands on his desk.

There was even a statistical quirk from his final game as four England players scored their first senior goals as the Republic of Ireland subsided. They were Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who may have brought a grimace from the watching Roy Keane – the Southampton defender’s future father-in-law and a former Ireland captain – when he headed the fifth on his debut.

It was the first time this had been done since England beat Northern Ireland in October 1930, with Harry Burgess, Jimmy Hampson, Sammy Crooks and Eric Houghton the goalscorers.
It was a night when everything Carsley touched turned to gold – or more precisely goals. Bowen scored with his first touch 29 seconds after coming on, while another substitute Harwood-Bellis struck just four minutes later.

The game was changed in the 53rd minute by a flash of genius from Harry Kane, back after being left out in favour of Ollie Watkins for the 3-0 win in Athens and facing some potentially unflattering reviews after another sluggish first-half performance.
England’s 31-year-old captain looked heavy-legged and off the pace in a dreadful first half from both sides, but showed the enduring quality that makes him invaluable when he showed stunning vision and range of passing from the left-hand touchline to pick out Jude Bellingham in the area with a perfect right-foot delivery.
Bellingham was floored by defender Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card. Kane scored his 69th goal for his country from the spot and it was game over.
Kane has been a central figure to Carsley’s reign in charge, not least with his public and uncharacteristically outspoken slap-down of those England players who withdrew from the squad for these two internationals.
He then doubled down on his message as he insisted it endangered the culture former manager Gareth Southgate had built up during his eights years in charge, when it became a pleasure to play for the country again.
The fact that Carsley was able to engineer two such comprehensive wins with a squad depleted by those nine withdrawals will only add to his personal stock, along with both his and the FA’s satisfaction.
Kane spoke out in his capacity as England’s skipper, senior figure and statesman, but it did not stop Carsley showing his own decision-making strength, choosing Watkins ahead of the country’s record goalscorer in Athens.
It was a pick well rewarded with an early goal from Aston Villa’s striker that turned a potentially hazardous task into an easy one.
Kane is still England’s first choice, but Carsley’s willingness to use Watkins, and the success of the move, proved he does not have to be the only choice.
Tuchel will feel the benefit of Carsley’s temporary spell because of his determination to introduce youth, further opening the pathway from under-21s to senior level, and all helped by his insider knowledge of the talent coming through the England system.
Carsley used 32 players overall, giving a debut to eight – Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Lewis Hall, Harwood-Bellis, Curtis Jones, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers.
They can all reflect on their contributions with satisfaction, especially Liverpool midfielder Jones, who has looked a class act in his two starts, while Chelsea forward Madueke has looked a constant threat.
Gomes made an impression as a midfield option, Gibbs-White showed he can be a creator while there is a big opportunity for Newcastle’s Hall at left-back, where Tuchel’s options look short.
The 19-year-old pair Rico Lewis and Kobbie Mainoo, from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, also added to their England experiences, which will be in the positive ledge of Carsley’s handover.
Eight players who figured in the England side that beat Spain to win the European Championship Under-21 final in 2023 were used by Carsley in his interim period – Levi Colwill, Harwood-Bellis, Jones, Gomes, Madueke, Cole Palmer, Gordon and Gibbs-White. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford also played in that final and was in a squad chosen by Carsley.
It was also clear he has the respect of England’s players, helped by his determination to open up the path for youngsters, a strategy appreciated by Harwood-Bellis.
The 22-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live: “There is always a pathway and us young ones do believe we can get into the seniors. We know the door is open if we take our chances. I’ve got to thank Lee Carsley for calling me up and I’ve repaid him with a nice goal.
Carsley may have that one big regret – but there has been much he can reflect on with genuine pleasure and pride.
England’s record under him means Tuchel has been spared that prospect of navigating a Nations League play-off while, significantly, Carsley has strengthened the youthful foundations for his successor to build on.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal secure a commanding 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League. The legend scored two goals — a Panenka-style penalty and a stunning overhead kick — and in doing so, he broke a major international record, overtaking Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Despite nearing 40, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy expectations, consistently impressing fans with his remarkable performances on the field. On Friday, he scored two stunning goals in Portugal‘s dominant 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League — the first a Panenka-style penalty and the second a spectacular overhead kick. These goals helped CR7 break a record he previously shared with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo has now become the player with the most goal contributions in international soccer history, reaching a total of 171. Until Friday, he shared this record with Messi, but now he can proudly claim a milestone that underscores his invaluable contribution to the Portugal national team.
This statistic takes into account not only the goals each player has scored for their national team but also the assists they’ve provided. In terms of scoring, CR7 holds a clear advantage: he has netted 135 goals in 217 appearances for Portugal, while Messi trails with 112 goals in 190 matches with Argentina.

However, Leo has the upper hand when it comes to assists, having registered 57 compared to Ronaldo’s 36. These differences are natural, considering the distinct styles of play, the positions each player occupies on the field, and their roles within their respective teams.

When it comes to scoring goals, Cristiano Ronaldo remains unmatched. With five goals in as many games during the UEFA Nations League opening round, he continues to be Portugal’s most lethal attacker. The two goals he scored against Poland pushed his career total to 910, cementing his place as the all-time leading scorer in professional soccer. Messi, in second place on this list, trails Ronaldo by a significant margin, with 850 goals.

Both Ronaldo and Messi will have the opportunity to extend their records as they continue to lead their national teams in the final games in 2024. Next Monday, Portugal will face Croatia in the final match of the UEFA Nations League opening round, while Messi’s Argentina will take on Peru in Buenos Aires for Matchday 12 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. With both players continuing to break records and add to their legacies, the battle for supremacy in international soccer rages on.

The Herons’ Round 1 playoff exit raises questions about their transfer and recruitment strategy over the past season

When Inter Miami crashed out of the 2024 playoffs Saturday night, it felt as if the American soccer community had come to a standstill.
That’s how American sports goes, though. It’s the playoff format, it’s the excitement of a Cinderella story in a major tournament, like Atlanta United had accomplished. It’s the storyline audiences typically crave, whether it be in College sports, the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, WNBA, etc. No matter the sport, the narrative follows.
What becomes more noticeable than anything, though, is the response. How does a team like Miami respond to an embarrassing and stunning defeat in Round 1 of the playoffs? Well, it needs to start with a hard look internally, and specifically, at their transfer strategy and roster assembly.

The Herons brought in 10 players to strengthen their 2024 title push, but only four started in their elimination game. Arguably, only three – Luis Suarez, Federico Redondo, and Julian Gressel – found any real success, each excelling at different points in the season. Others such as Matias Rojas and Marcelo Weigandt all played big roles during the campaign, but never found their footing with the club on a consistent basis.

Only one of those 10, Gressel, had previous MLS experience, and others like Yannick Bright and Leo Afonso – MLS SuperDraft picks – were thrown into the mix with no professional experience prior. Miami’s transfer strategy ignored a key component of finding success in this league: embracing it.

Whether that be through the recruitment of league veterans or trading for intra-league talent to bolster the roster, MLS teams have always found success by relying on the individuals who have figured that out. Miami’s 2024 downfall began when they ignored that crucial part of being a member of the league.

FC Barcelona did not want to miss another anniversary of Leo Messi’s debut with the Barça first team and shared a very special message on their networks to greet the ’10’

This November 16, Leo Messi celebrates a new anniversary of his professional debut with FC Barcelona and the club has shared a simple, but very special message on its social networks to commemorate the historic day. Barça uploaded an image of the Rosario player competing for a ball in the friendly played in 2003 against Porto (2-0 defeat by the culé), with a series of coded messages within the photograph.

‘La Pulga’ came on for Fernando Navarro in the 74th minute and left some flashes of quality in a duel that served to inaugurate the Do Dragao stadium, which a year later would host the Euro Cup held in Portugal. With Frank Rijkaard on the bench, Barça began a cycle that ended up being very successful, with two Leagues, a Spanish Super Cup and a Champions League between 2005 and 2006.

Those would be the first four titles of the 35 trophies he won in his 17 seasons as a culé. The current Inter Miami forward said goodbye to the club in 2021 after playing 778 games in which he scored 672 goals and 303 assists, with 81 cautions and a single expulsion.

In principle, it is expected that the ’10’ from Rosario and Barça will have direct contact this month to commemorate the club’s 125th anniversary. Although, due to scheduling issues, it is very difficult for Leo to attend the official anniversary gala, he will surely share a congratulatory message to the club.

In 2025, once the team returns to the Spotify Camp Nou, a tribute is planned for ‘La Pulga’, since his farewell in 2021 took place in a private event, without public, due to health restrictions due to the covid pandemic. -19. Looking to the future, when the Argentine star hangs up his boots, the possibility of seeing him in some position on the Barça board remains open, since the ‘GOAT’ does not seem to like the idea of ​​training very much, but he does like sports management.

Cristiano Ronaldo says he expects to retire within the next two years.

Ronaldo was speaking in the mixed zone after scoring twice during Portugal’s 5-1 win over Poland in the Nations League on Friday night.

It means he moves to 910 career goals for club and country – but the player says he is not thinking about reaching the 1,000 milestone before he hangs up his boots.

“I don’t care about 1000 goals at all, wanting it is normal, but I don’t think about it”, said Ronaldo, who currently plies his trade with Al Nassr in the Saudi Arabia.

“I am planning my retirement and it will happen in a year or two. I have to enjoy the moment and football.

“I have to go to training and to the game motivated, when I don’t feel that way I will take a step forward and say that it is no longer for me.

“I am going to be 40, I have to take it easy and enjoy it. And what I like most is playing for the national team.”

Ronaldo also had a message for incoming Manchester United boss, adding: “I wish you the best of luck in the world, as well as Manchester United.”

Lyon have been handed a severe sanction by the DNCG – Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion. The French football financial watchdog has decided to hit the John Textor-owned Ligue 1 club with a provisional Ligue 2 relegation as well as a transfer ban and the supervision of their wages. Such an outcome was expected considering that the Ligue 1 club’s debt reportedly rose from €458 million to €508 million. Textor reportedly said to the DNCG today that Lyon would be able to sell players – or Botafogo players, with the Brazilian outfit also part of the Eagle Football Group portfolio – as well as a 45 % share in Premier League side Crystal Palace to balance the books.

Despite the American businessman’s confidence that the meeting with the DNCG went well, the financial watchdog evidently did not agree. As it stands, Lyon will be relegated to Ligue 2 if their financial situation does not improve dramatically. Les Gones might be forced to sell their prized assets, including France U21 international attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki (21) or Belgian international winger Malick Fofana (19) on a cheap this winter transfer window.

Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract. The France international’s deal in Turin was set to expire in the summer of 2026, but will now run until November 30 of this year. Now a free agent, Pogba is able to return to the field in March 2025, after his four-year suspension for testing positive for a banned substance was reduced.

Paul Pogba is officially a free agent, as Juventus have agreed to terminate his current contract at the end of this month.
The former Manchester United midfielder was handed a four-year ban for doping offences, which was shortened to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Pogba, who won the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, is set for a return to club football in March 2025.

The 31-year-old posted a message on social media on Friday following his release from the Serie A side.
“There are moments when things don’t go the way we want, but one thing is certain: the bond I have with you, dear fans, will remain unforgettable,” Pogba wrote on Instagram.
“You have given me so much, more than I can put into words, and I will always carry with me all the affection you gave me. You’ll be in my heart, always.
“Good luck, Juventus.”

Morocco last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1988, a tournament that saw just eight teams compete, with Cameroon emerging victorious after a hard-fought final against Nigeria.

Fast forward to 2025, and the tournament has expanded significantly, with 24 teams set to compete, highlighting the growth and development of African football over the past three decades.

Morocco was confirmed as the host nation on September 27, 2023, a decision that has been met with widespread enthusiasm.

The Atlas Lions, who automatically qualify as the host nation, are eager to showcase their country’s readiness to host a competition of this magnitude, especially after their historic performance in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

While the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has yet to officially announce the venues, several iconic stadiums are expected to play a central role in the tournament. These include:

Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca: A likely centerpiece of the tournament, this historic venue hosted the 1988 AFCON final and is expected to be a major venue once again.
Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat: Another key venue, currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity.
Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier: Set to host some of the tournament’s biggest matches, with an expanded capacity to accommodate more fans.
Adrar Stadium, Agadir: Known for its stunning location and modern facilities, also being expanded ahead of the tournament.
Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh: A popular venue with fans and likely to see significant action during the tournament.
Fez Stadium, Fez: A more traditional setting that will add to the diverse experiences offered to fans.

Theongoing qualifiers, which kicked off in September 2024, will see 48 nations divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group securing their place in Morocco.

The qualification process promises intense competition, with teams like reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Senegal, and Algeria all vying for a spot. The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to begin on December 21, 2025, and will culminate with the final on January 18, 2026. These dates are crucial for fans and teams alike as they prepare for the most prestigious football tournament on the African continent.

Morocco’s selection as the host for AFCON 2025 is no surprise given the country’s recent track record in successfully hosting major international football events.

From the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2023, Morocco has consistently demonstrated its capacity to organize and deliver world-class football tournaments.This track record, combined with the country’s passionate football culture and state-of-the-art infrastructure, sets the stage for what could be one of the most memorable editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.

As the road to Morocco 2025 begins, anticipation is high not just for the tournament itself but for what it symbolizes—a celebration of African football and a showcase of Morocco’s commitment to the sport. With world-class facilities, a football-mad population, and recent experience in hosting major tournaments, Morocco is poised to deliver an AFCON that will set new benchmarks for the competition.

After Argentina’s shock 2-1 defeat to Paraguay, the cracks in the squad’s once unshakable foundation are becoming more evident. The triumphs in recent years – the Copa América, the Finalissima, and, of course, the crowning glory of the 2022 World Cup – seem like distant memories now. The current form of the Argentine national team, especially in the South American qualifiers, raises serious concerns. It’s clear that the winning formula that once brought the team together is slowly being undone, with key players aging, tactical rigidity setting in, and new talent failing to emerge with the same consistency and hunger.

Lionel Messi, the talismanic figure behind much of Argentina’s recent success, is no longer the same player who lit up the World Cup. While still a remarkable talent, his age and physical limitations are starting to show. His ability to carry the team on his shoulders has been compromised, and the collective depth of Argentina is becoming more apparent. The midfield, once a strength with the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Rodrigo De Paul dictating tempo, now looks disjointed and vulnerable, unable to provide the same defensive security and offensive creativity. The lack of cohesion in the middle of the park was evident against Paraguay, where Argentina struggled to control the game and were often caught in transitions.

Moreover, the defensive solidity that Argentina prided itself on under Lionel Scaloni is starting to fray. The backline, which was so resolute during their World Cup triumph, has shown worrying signs of vulnerability. Argentina’s inability to close out games and their increasing tendency to concede soft goals signals a lack of composure that could prove costly in upcoming fixtures. The goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, despite his heroics in Qatar, has shown inconsistency, further complicating an already fragile defensive setup.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect is the lack of fresh faces and the slow integration of new talent. While the older generation is still carrying much of the load, the younger players haven’t been able to step up and fill the void. Argentina’s forward line, while still boasting the likes of Lautaro Martínez and Julian Álvarez, has been too predictable and lacks the dynamism and fluidity that once made the team so dangerous. The tactical setup also feels increasingly stale, with Scaloni’s once-famed versatility now giving way to a more rigid approach. Without new ideas or a refreshed squad, Argentina risks slipping into a decline, with the golden years of their recent triumphs fading faster than anyone expected.

Roma have appointed ex-Leicester and Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri as their new head coach until the end of the season.

The 73-year-old has come out of retirement to manage Roma for a third time.

The Italian, who announced his retirement from football in May after a spell at Cagliari, succeeds Ivan Juric following his sacking on Sunday.

At the end of the season, Ranieri will transition into a senior executive role at Roma, where he will advise the ownership on all sporting matters at the club.

The Serie A side also confirmed they are searching for a long-term managerial appointment, with Ranieri having input on the decision.

Ranieri, who famously led Leicester to Premier League glory in 2016, will take charge of his first Roma fixture on November 24 with a trip to Serie A leaders Napoli.

Ranieri will then return to England for his first European fixture back at the club as Roma visit Tottenham in the Europa League on November 28.

Bolivia has always been a difficult place to play. Now the challenge is even higher. The men’s national soccer team is hoping that hosting World Cup qualifiers at an altitude higher than ever will help it improve in the South American standings.

The Bolivians usually play in the capital La Paz at 3,640 meters (11,940 feet) above sea level, but the South American soccer body CONMEBOL has allowed them to move their games to El Alto, the second largest city in the country at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 feet). That’s as high as nine Empire State Buildings on top of each other.

With one win and five losses, Bolivia is second to last in the standings, and needs a win on Thursday against visiting Venezuela, which is fifth and coming off a quarterfinal run at the Copa America.

New Bolivia coach Oscar Villegas will make his debut after replacing Antonio Carlos Zago, who was fired in July after a winless Copa. Villegas hopes to exploit the higher altitude by picking a squad in which 80% of the players are used to the thinner air, including six from Always Ready club in El Alto, and six more from Bolívar in La Paz.

El Alto Municipal Stadium opened only in 2017 and is considered a jewel in the Bolivian highlands. On its green grass, marked in white, is the phrase, “You play where you live.” Oval-shaped with seating for 24,000 spectators, the El Alto stadium is smaller than the 40,000-seat Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz. But El Alto’s elevation is 560 meters (1,840 feet) higher.

The president of the Bolivian Football Federation, Fernando Costa, says the stadium is being trialed to see how the players respond, to determine if El Alto can become a permanent venue for home games. Venezuela’s home matches are at sea level, and it has not complained about the change of venue, but it is taking measures.

In a preliminary squad of 47 players, Venezuela coach Fernando Batista included some who are active in cities where the game is played at altitude, among them goalkeeper Alain Baroja from Bolivian club Always Ready. The Venezuelans are preparing by undergoing oxygen breathing exercises and acclimatization in hyperbaric chambers.

Bolivia hasn’t qualified for the World Cup since 1994.

Indonesia has been chosen as the host for the 2026 AFC Futsal Asian Cup, following a recommendation from the AFC Futsal & Beach Soccer Committee.

Iran are the current AFC Futsal Champions having beaten hosts Thailand 4-1 in the 2024 final. Iran have won the title 13 times with Japan the only other nation to have triumphed with four wins.

The hosting award to Indonesia is a significant turnaround for the country that was cancelled as the host country for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2024 group B qualifier. Saudi Arabia instead hosted those qualifiers.

For 2026 the AFC will now use FIFA’s recently launched Futsal World Ranking to determine seeding for both the Futsal Asian Cup and the Women’s Futsal Asian Cup, replacing the previous system that relied on rankings from the prior edition. Effective from 2025, this adjustment aims to provide a more dynamic and globally aligned seeding approach.

For the AFC U17 Asian Cup, which now follows an annual schedule, the 2026 Finals will run from May 14 to 31, with Qualifiers set for November 22-30, 2025. With Qatar serving as host for the FIFA U17 World Cup from 2025 to 2029, an additional World Cup berth has been created for AFC nations.

Should Qatar, as a qualified host, place in the top eight in the AFC U17 Asian Cup, the ninth World Cup slot will go to the best third-placed team across all groups, based on criteria from the AFC Competition Operations Manual.

The AFC has also introduced new seeding principles based on each team’s results across their three most recent AFC competitions, ensuring a balanced approach for tournaments without FIFA rankings, including youth and beach soccer, starting in 2025.