Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to back Mourinho financially and is reportedly drawing up an initial offer for the defender. City, however, are determined to fend off any approach from the La Liga giants.
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Incoming City manager Enzo Maresca considers the Portuguese defender integral to his plans at the Etihad. The exit of John Stones has only heightened Dias’s importance to the squad.
City brought Dias to the club from Benfica for £60m back in 2020, and he has since helped them clinch 11 major trophies – including the historic Treble in 2023.
However, Pep Guardiola’s departure has thrown the futures of several City players into doubt. Dias, who is contracted until 2028, may be tempted by a fresh challenge having achieved everything there is to win in Manchester.
The centre-back is currently part of Portugal’s World Cup squad and is focused on the tournament.
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Yet the prospect of a move to Real will be hard to resist for Dias, whom Mourinho has pinpointed as a potential defensive partner for Antonio Rudiger. Real’s hierarchy are also keeping a watchful eye on Dias’s City teammate Rodri.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’
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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
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The Ballon d’Or winner has long been coveted by Real, yet even Perez acknowledges that pulling off a double swoop on City would be virtually unachievable.
City are powerless to prevent Bernardo Silva from making the switch, however, with the Portuguese midfielder set to join the Spanish giants on a free transfer once the tournament concludes.
Having brought down the curtain on his illustrious City career at the end of the season, he is now at liberty to embark on a fresh chapter.
World Cup favourites France take on Senegal in their opening Group I match, in a repeat of the fixture that saw the Lions of Teranga clinch a famous win over the then-title holders. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé start for Les Bleus, with Sadio Mané leading Senegal’s attack. Follow our live, minute-by-minute coverage.
The starting XIs
France: Mike Maignan – Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, Théo Hernandez – Aurélien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot – Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappé (captain), Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé.
Senegal: Edouard Mendy – Krepin Diatta, Kalidou Koulibaly (captain), Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Malick Diouf – Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye – Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson.
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Chance for Olise!
Finally a proper chance for France as Olise outmanoeuvres Senegal’s defence, but his dink is deflected over the bar by Mendy.
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Mbappé beaten, again
Doué’s counter leads to nothing as Mbappé’s latest poor touch allows a Senegalese defender to expertly rob him of the ball.
The France captain has been dreadful so far.
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Senegal start the second half
It’s hard to imagine Deschamps delivering a Renard-like speech, but whatever he said has at least inspired Doué to attempt a shot on goal as the second half gets under way.
Renard’s ‘selfie with Messi’ moment
Renard’s latest reprieve comes just two months after he was fired by Saudi Arabia despite leading the kingdom through the World Cup qualifiers.
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The French coach famously inspired the Saudis to a shock defeat of future champions Argentina in the group stage four years ago, with a now legendary speech.
While we wait for Les Bleus to get their act together, here’s a little half-time entertainment.
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In other World Cup news
Tunisia fired coach Sabri Lamouchi earlier today after their 5-1 drubbing by Sweden, replacing him with French veteran Hervé Renard and his trademark open-necked white shirts.
This is Renard’s third straight men’s World Cup with as many teams. In between, he also took France to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
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Half time: France 0-0 Senegal
France have been tepid, to say the least, and Senegal really should be in front.
What a miss!
Senegal should be ahead!
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Sarr latches onto a loose ball in the France box but his shot from six yards sails over the crossbar. Deary me, that was a golden chance and the Crystal Palace forward will be kicking himself.
Six minutes of added time
We’ll have six more minutes of this.
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Koulibaly heads away
A promising free-kick for France outside the Senegal box, but Koulibaly clears.
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Upamecano takes out Sarr
Sarr is causing all sorts of trouble to the French defence, and Upamecano’s answer is to stamp on his foot.
The Senegalese forward collapses on the ground but there’s no foul as the referee has opted to give the Lions of Teranga advantage.
Play is eventually stopped to allow the physio on, and Sarr walks off for treatment.
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France have gone quiet
All that fearsome French talent up front has produced very little indeed.
Then again, this is a Deschamps team and his sides often look like they’re getting away with doing the strict minimum.
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Sarr with another chance for Senegal
Senegal come forward again, Sarr barging his way into the France box, but he’s under pressure from two defenders tailing him and his strike flies over the bar.
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Drinks!
Just when France were taking control, Senegal have the best chance of the game. The players now pause for drinks.
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Jackson hits the post!
Having said that, a blistering counter-attack sends Jackson goalwards and the Senegalese forward blasts his shot onto Maignan’s post, with the French keeper almost scoring an own-goal on the rebound.
Jackson did well to resist pressure from Upamecano. Photo: Dylan Martinez, Reuters
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France up the pressure
A couple of France corners lead to nothing, but the two-time champions have raised their game.
Niakhate blocks Dembélé shot
Olise finally find a way through the Senegalese lines but Dembélé’s shot is parried by the central defender.
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Senegal defending well
France control the ball now, passing it from left to right and back, but they are yet to pose a threat to Senegal’s disciplined defence.
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Another poor touch from the France captain
Dembélé does well to release Mbappé but the France captain misses another control and Les Bleus squander a promising counter.
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Upamecano thwarts Sarr attack
A clever Jackson flick sends Sarr towards goal but Upamecano does well to muscle him aside.
Senegal are looking lively and have started very well indeed.
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Mbappé fluffs his control
An excellent through-pass by Rabiot finds the France captain with acres of space but his control is a mess and Senegal recover the ball.
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France come into this year’s World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the trophy having reached the final in the last two editions. But their opponents Senegal serve as a warning of the dangers of over-confidence, having famously stunned Les Bleus at this stage in 2002.
Jacob Fatu shocked everyone when he launched a vicious attack on Eric Andre on this week’s episode of RAW. The comedian, who was in the crowd, interacted with The Bloodline as they were leaving after the opening segment.
Andre playfully greeted Fatu and touched his new Ula Fala, which didn’t sit well with The Samoan Werewolf. Fatu dragged the 43-year-old into the ring and attacked him.
Thanks for the submission!
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Officials ran out to stop Fatu as he climbed up the top rope. Reigns initially tried to calm The Samoan Werewolf, but eventually gave him the green light, leading to Fatu hitting a massive splash on Andre. As they were leaving, the OTC ordered Fatu to hit another splash on the comedian, and he obliged immediately.
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Speaking on RAW Recap, Sam Roberts explained the possible reason Roman Reigns ordered Jacob Fatu to attack Eric Andre. The analyst believed that the OTC wanted to showcase The Samoan Werewolf’s dominance and how much control he has over Fatu.
“What’s the psychology behind this? Why would Roman do that? And I believe that the reason this was done is because Roman doesn’t want anyone to mistake what’s happening. Like you said, he’s leading a little bit differently. Maybe he has a little bit more patience, more empathy, more whatever. But in this moment, I think he’s realized, like, Jacob’s locked into this. Of course. I need to show everybody what a weapon I have. I need to show everybody the degree of control that I have, right? Because sometimes, sometimes when you’re in a position like Roman Reigns, the authority figures will say, hey, can you please make sure this happens? And you do. Because you have the ability to make sure that it happens. No problem. But then these authority figures think that they’re the ones in charge. That’s how I took it,” Roberts said.
Later in the night, Jacob Fatu attacked LA Knight as well after the latter’s heated confrontation with The Usos. It will be interesting to see how this story develops.
Jacob Fatu was officially welcomed into The Bloodline by Roman Reigns
The Bloodline opened this week’s episode of RAW, with Roman Reigns asking the crowd to acknowledge each member of the group.
The OTC addressed the recent tensions between Jacob Fatu and The Usos. The Samoan Werewolf made it clear that he was not going to listen to the twins and that the only person he acknowledged was Reigns.
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The World Heavyweight Champion then officially welcomed Fatu into The Bloodline by presenting him with an Ula Fala.
France have named a strong and attacking starting XI for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Senegal, with Kylian Mbappé captaining a side packed with pace, creativity and technical quality in the final third.
France XI: Mike Maignan; Dayot Upamecano, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Lucas Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adrien Rabiot; Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, Michael Olise; Kylian Mbappé.
The lineup is set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Tchouaméni and Rabiot providing structure and defensive protection in midfield. Ahead of them, a highly technical attacking trio of Dembélé, Doué and Olise will support Mbappé, who leads the line as the central striker.
France’s approach blends balance and control with serious attacking threat, relying on speed in wide areas and Mbappé’s movement to stretch Senegal’s defence. With a back four of Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba and Hernández, France look well set to play on the front foot from the opening whistle.
France will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Senegal today, with Didier Deschamps’ side aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
Having reached the final in each of the last two editions, Les Bleus arrive among the favourites once again, but they face a Senegal side eager to make a statement in what is expected to be one of the toughest tests in Group I.
France boosted by return of Saliba
France head into the opener with an almost fully fit squad after William Saliba returned to full training following a recent back problem. Jules Kounde has also overcome a minor knock, leaving Deschamps with plenty of options.
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Kylian Mbappe will lead an attack that is expected to feature Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot are set to anchor the midfield. Les Bleus have won four of their last five matches, including victories over Brazil and Colombia, and wrapped up their preparations with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.
Senegal ready to challenge favourites
Senegal enter the tournament with most of their key players available, with Sadio Mane set to feature in a World Cup for the first time since missing the 2022 edition through injury. Veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye has also recovered from a minor concern, while Nicolas Jackson is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.
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Coach Pape Thiaw is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Kalidou Koulibaly leading the defence in front of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The Lions of Teranga recorded victories over Peru and Gambia during their preparations, although they finished their warm-up schedule with a defeat to the United States and a draw against Saudi Arabia. Despite France entering as favourites, Senegal will believe they have the quality to spring an upset.
FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal: Starting 11
France starting 11: Mike Maignan (GK), Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Theo Hernandez, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappe (C), Michael Olise, Desire Doue
Senegal starting 11: Edouard Mendy (GK), Kalidou Koulibaly (C), Krepin Diatta, Moussa Niakhate, El Hadji Diouf, Idrissa Gueye, Lamine Camara, Pape Gueye, Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaila Sarr
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FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal live telecast:
The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Senegal will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.
FIFA World Cup 2026 France vs Senegal live streaming:
The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and Senegal will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.
Check all the live updates of the France vs Senegal match in FIFA World Cup 2026 here
A five-time major champion will indeed tee it up at the U.S. Open.
Brooks Koepka told Golfweek Tuesday that he plans to play the major at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club despite withdrawing from the final round of the RBC Canadian Open due to a hand injury.
Koepka won the U.S. Open the last time it was contested at Shinnecock in 2018.
“I’m gonna go this week,” he told Golfweek when asked about the possibility of withdrawing.
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Koepka began experiencing pain in his left pinky and ring finger on Friday night, and the issue arose again ahead of his Saturday round at TPC Toronto, he told Golfweek. The 36-year-old co-led the event after a six-under 64 on Thursday but struggled to a two-over 72 on Saturday.
He said two possible causes of the pain are an ulnar nerve flare-up and thoracic outlet syndrome.
Koepka also had scans of his neck vertebrae, which came back clear.
He tied for 12th at The Masters and tied for 55th at the PGA Championship in the first two majors this year.
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He’s set to play alongside fellow Americans Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open, with a Thursday tee time at 7:30 a.m. ET.
The Canucks have signed defenceman Cole Clayton to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced Tuesday.
The financial terms of the deal were not initially announced.
Clayton, 26, spent the 2025-26 season with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, tallying six assists in 32 games with Vancouver’s affiliate.
Since being signed by the Cleveland Monsters — the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate — for the 2021-22 season, the Strathmore, Alta., native has tallied 72 points (14 goals, 58 assists) across five seasons split between the Canucks, Monsters and San Jose Barracuda.
Doubts over Neymar’s debut at the World Cup continued Monday after the Brazil forward underwent new tests on his injured right leg. There had been hope that Neymar could return to training on Monday, but the Santos player did not join his teammates and instead went to a clinic for the tests on his right calf. The Brazilian soccer confederation did not immediately reveal the results of the tests. The 34-year-old Neymar, in his fourth World Cup, has been sidelined since getting injured with Santos in Brazil on May 17.
Brazil plays Haiti on Friday at Philadelphia. Neymar has yet to participate in any full training session since the five-time world champions began their World Cup preparations in Morristown, New Jersey.
Brazilian media said Brazil’s medical staff was hoping to have him back fully fit for the knockout stages.
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Neymar’s potential return gained more significance after Brazil’s disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco in the teams’ World Cup opener on Saturday.
Neymar still brought some star power to the game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. He was seen on the sidelines before kickoff saluting celebrities such as rapper Travis Scott and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Brazil’s struggles in attack against Morocco immediately prompted calls for a more experienced playmaker like Neymar on the field.
There was widespread debate in Brazil over whether Neymar, whose first World Cup was in 2014 on home soil, should have been called up for the World Cup by new coach Carlo Ancelotti. Some believe the veteran could still help Brazil, but others say Neymar is past his prime and took a spot away from a younger player.
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Three other players did not join the group and trained separately Monday to improve their fitness: Gabriel Magalhães, Bruno Guimarães and Raphinha.
Neymar and his partner, Bruna Biancardi, on Monday announced on social media that she is pregnant with their third daughter. The player has a teenage son from a previous relationship.
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AP World Cup:
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Tushar Deshpande’s Brilliant Final Act Ensures Thrilling Win For RR Over Gujarat Titans
From obscure, veteran goalkeeper to global fame and an extra 6 million social media followers in 90 minutes, Vozinha’s story is the sort that has made the World Cup so special across the globe.
The Cape Verde stopper excelled as his side drew 0-0 with European champions Spain on Monday. But the tears he shed after the game were not only joyful.
“I cried because I grew up with my grandparents and unfortunately they were not here; they died a few years ago,” he told reporters.
“They were everything for me, for my life. I also cried because my mum didn’t manage to be here because of the visa. Because of the money we had to pay for the visa, we didn’t manage to [complete it] on time. I would like her to be here, but I’m also very happy.”
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Visa issues have been a running theme of the World Cup, mostly in the United States. Cape Verde was added earlier this year to the list of countries whose citizens have to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (€12,931) before travelling to the country.
Somali referee denied US entry before World Cup debut
No further detail on these concerns has been forthcoming but US President Donald Trump described Somalis as “garbage” in December, telling immigrants from the African country to “go back to where they came from” and that “their country is no good for a reason.”
This is all despite the promise of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize last year, that “fans from all over the world will be welcome” at the tournament. In the same August 2025 statement, Infantino added that the visa process would be “smooth, it will ensure that those that qualify will be able to come with their fans.”
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Iran a team apart at World Cup
That has not been the case for many fans. But it has also caused problems for teams and their support staff, most notably Iran. While the framework of a deal in the US-Israel war with Iran has been agreed, the conflict has meant the Iranian team is operating under different circumstances to the other 47 teams in the tournament.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his side were being “oppressed” after late changes to their travel plans following their 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday. Ghalenoei’s side moved base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, shortly before the tournament and must leave the United States after each match to return. Ghalenoei said he thought the team would stay overnight after the match in Los Angeles but they were forced to leave.
Iranian team sets up FIFA base camp in Tijuana
“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” Ghalenoei said. “To be honest, I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”
It was not immediately clear who Ghalenoei feels imposed the departure. But forward Mehdi Taremi said the restrictions on the Iran team put them at a competitive disadvantage.
Infantino visits Iran team despite discontent
“It’s not good for us. I think it’s not good for football,” he said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this,” said Taremi, who feels the team’s preparations have been rushed. He added that Infantino had visited the Iran dressing room prematch.
“He wants to try to help us, but it’s about other things too,” Taremi said.
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The FIFA president later posted about the match on social media, using the FIFA tagline “FIFA Unites the World” as part of his text.
Iran are also competing without several officials and media operatives. They are unable to travel due to visa restrictions, leaving coaches to take on additional responsibilities on the bench.
“The federation is absent here. Our media isn’t here. Our management team, many of them aren’t here. We used to have a part of a coaching team to help with substitutions but we didn’t have that. Those in the technical area had to deal with that,” Ghalenoei said.
Audrey Werro missed out on her pursuit of the long-standing women’s 800m record as two-time 400m hurdles world champion Femke Broeders-Bol impressed in her first outdoor race at the distance.
Swiss athlete Werro stunned Keely Hodgkinson two weeks ago in Stockholm by winning in a time of one minute and 53.98 seconds – the third fastest women’s 800m time ever and fastest in the world this year.
The 22-year-old was looking to break the record of 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983 at the Ostrava Golden Spike in Czechia.
She was in contention at 600m but faded slightly to win in a time of 1:54.55 – still the eighth-fastest in history.
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Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles closed the night by setting a world’s best of 14.67 over the unofficial distance of 150m.
The previous fastest time over the distance on a curved track was 14.92 by Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson., external
Werro shone in the 800m as eight women finished inside two minutes in a stacked field.
Dutch superstar Bol, 25, who married Belgian pole vaulter Ben Broeders earlier this year, finished second in 1:57.13 to become the third fastest Dutch woman over two laps.
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She announced last year that she was changing events.
She has also been a world indoor champion in the flat 400m and is a renowned relay athlete, a gold medallist anchor leg runner with the Netherlands’ 4x400m team at Paris 2024.
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