A fire erupted at the home of Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior on Thursday morning. The Los Blancos forward is currently away on international duty with Brazil, who take on South Korea and Japan during the break, meaning the property was thankfully vacant as the blaze ripped through his home. An electrical malfunction is believed to have been the cause of the fire.
Former U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola has questioned why Borussia Mönchengladbach right back Joe Scally was left out of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad for the USMNT’s October friendlies. While Meola understands Yunus Musah’s absence, he suggested that, in his view, Scally’s omission may involve factors beyond on-field performance or tactical fit.
Borussia Dortmund have been keeping a close eye on Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Lerma since striking a deal to sign the teenager back in 2024. The young sensation is set to join the Bundesliga giants next summer once he turns 18 in a €4 million deal and the club's current plan is to immediately thrust him into the senior team after being impressed by his performances in his homeland.
USMNT defender Alex Freeman faced Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Hero Kanu in a lighthearted cross-sport juggling challenge at the University of Texas athletic complex. The showdown highlighted the surprising footwork of the German-born football player against the refined technique of the rising American soccer prospect.
Alexi Lalas backed Weston McKennie for the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup squad following his recall for the October friendlies. The Juventus midfielder had been absent from Mauricio Pochettino’s recent rosters, raising doubts about his role. But with the manager calling this group his potential A squad, McKennie’s inclusion is an encouraging sign.
Former national team star Alexi Lalas cast doubt on Ricardo Pepi’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup roster after the striker’s knee injury with PSV, noting that USMNT roster spots will only be more competitive - leaving injured players especially at risk of losing out as the tournament gets closer to kicking off.
Casemiro has received the backing of his former Real Madrid and current Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti to wear the captain's armband for the Selecao in the build up to next year's World Cup. Having marked his return to the national team setup after a prolonged absence, Casemiro hasn't lost the trust of Ancelotti, who has urged the resurgent Manchester United man to "set an example everyday."
U.S. international Christian Pulisic powered AC Milan to a 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday, recording both a goal and an assist in the clash with the defending champions. After the victory, Pulisic said it sends a strong message to Serie A, praising the team’s defense and spirit as a driving force behind their success.
Chelsea’s crisis deepened after their 3-1 defeat to Brighton, with footage emerging of Moises Caicedo appearing to lash out at Jan Paul Van Hecke in a post-match brawl at Stamford Bridge. The incident has reportedly drawn the FA’s attention, with possible sanctions looming over Enzo Maresca’s struggling side just as injuries and suspensions continue to pile up.
