Xabi Alonso feels his football can fit the Chelsea squad, as the London club explore a deal to appoint the Basque as their next manager, according to sources with knowledge of the process.

The 44-year-old currently heads up the Stamford Bridge hierarchy’s short list of potential appointments, along with Andoni Iraola. Aiding Chelsea might be the fact that they currently have no major competition for Alonso’s signature.

There has been no serious contact from Liverpool, despite his playing connection to Anfield. Arne Slot is instead widely expected to stay in the job, despite current fan dissent.

Alonso is understood to be keen to return to work this summer, having left a very difficult job in Real Madrid after just seven months. The recent chaos at the Bernabeu nevertheless means that brief role has had no real impact on a burgeoning reputation having previously won a title at Bayer Leverkusen with an unbeaten season.

While there is still some distance to go until any actual deal is struck, contact between the camps has progressed over the past week, with increasingly positive noises.

Aside from his reputation, Alonso is the kind of hands-on coach that the Chelsea hierarchy like. He is also said to see how his system can work with most of the existing players, give or take the few signings that Chelea are expected to make.

Chelsea also greatly admire Iraola, who is the subject of interest from a number of clubs. Manchester United have been monitoring his situation, but the expectation is still they will ultimately appoint Michael Carrick.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just one month away and the wait for squad announcements from all 48 qualified teams is now entering its most crucial phase. Football fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see which stars will make the final cut for the tournament to be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.

With national teams preparing for training camps and warm-up matches, FIFA has already laid out the official timeline for preliminary and final squad submissions, giving players one last opportunity to secure their places for football’s biggest event.

FIFA World Cup 2026 squad announcement deadlines

FIFA has fixed strict deadlines for all participating nations regarding player submissions for the tournament.

The first major date is May 11, when all teams must submit a preliminary squad list consisting of 35 to 55 players. Each squad must include at least five goalkeepers.

Another important deadline is May 25, which is the final day for clubs to release players called up for international duty ahead of the World Cup.

National teams will then have a short window between May 25 and June 1 to confirm their final squads for the tournament. Each team can register between 23 and 26 players, including three goalkeepers.

Although final squads are usually locked in after submission, FIFA regulations allow teams to replace players in case of serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before their opening match.

FIFA World Cup 2026 format

The 2026 edition will be historic as it will feature 48 teams for the first time, expanding from the previous 32-team structure.

The competition begins on June 11 and concludes with the final on July 19. The new format will divide teams into 12 groups of four teams each. Every team will play one game against other three teams from their group. 
The top two sides from every group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the round of 32. The tournament will follow the single-game knockout format used by FIFA in previous editions.

Still no broadcast deal for India

Despite the tournament being just weeks away, FIFA is yet to officially confirm a broadcast partner for India for the 2026 World Cup.

The uncertainty has raised concerns among Indian football fans, especially after reports suggested that broadcasting negotiations remain unresolved due to high monetary demands from FIFA.

India represents one of the largest television and streaming markets for major sporting events, making the delay a significant issue ahead of the tournament.

FIFA is expected to finalise regional broadcast agreements soon as preparations intensify for the biggest World Cup in history.

Marcus Rashford is keen to extend his stay at Barcelona beyond the end of the 2025/26 season, after enjoying an impressive loan spell in Spain

Barcelona would “love” to keep Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford if they can do a deal within their financial restrictions. That is according to former United star and La Liga expert Terry Gibson, who has claimed that Barca hope to retain Rashford’s services but are trying to do a deal with United “regarding his salary”.

Rashford, 28, joined Barca on loan from United last summer and has impressed since his move to Spain, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.

On Sunday, the England international netted a sublime free-kick to help Barca beat Real Madrid 2-0 and secure the La Liga title in the process. Rashford played 64 minutes before being replaced by Raphinha.

Post-match, Rashford revealed he would like to extend his spell at Barcelona, though he admitted he is unsure what will happen this summer. Barca boast a £26million option to buy Rashford, but the Spanish side are delaying on triggering the permanent clause in his contract.

And Gibson feels that Barca are keen to keep Rashford but want to make sure another deal fits into their spending structure, with the club operating under strict financial restrictions with La Liga.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, Gibson, who made 23 league appearances for United in 1986, said on Rashford: “I think if Barcelona have their way, they would love to have Marcus Rashford next season.

“I see Barcelona’s position as a bit of a bargaining tool at the moment. I mean, they’re looking at possibly needing a centre forward if Robert Lewandowski leaves the club, so they need money for that transfer.”

The La Liga co-commenator added: “I think they’re probably trying to do a deal with Manchester United and Marcus Rashford regarding his salary. The way he’s played, the way he’s performed this season, he’s been really important to Barcelona. Lewandowski’s been injured, Ferran Torres has been out of form, Raphinha’s had lots of injuries, Lamine Yamal is injured at the moment.

“Marcus Rashford has been fit all season. He’s been a really important part of the squad that has won the league title. He capped it off last night with a really good performance and a spectacular free kick to open the scoring.

“I think it’s clear Marcus Rashford wants to stay and I totally get that. He looks like he’s enjoying his football. He looks like he’s enjoying living in Barcelona. As I say, he’s a popular team-mate, a really important part of the squad. But I think Barcelona, we know what their financial implications are and I think if they can do a deal with Manchester United, I think they would love to keep him.”

Rashford has been in stellar form for Barca in recent weeks, scoring four goals and adding one assist in their last six La Liga matches. Has played a key role in Hansi Flick’s side retaining the Spanish top-flight title for a second successive season, and claimed he would remain at Camp Nou if he was a “magician”.

The Wythenshawe-born ace has reiterated that signing for Barca was his dream move and he would stay at the club if it was his choice. “I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. So we will see,” Rashford said in the mixed zone, following Barca’s El Classico win against Real on Sunday.

Rashford and Barcelona are next in action when they face Alaves on Wednesday. The Catalan outfit then host Real Betis before making the trip to Valencia to end the season.

Owa Retamar is back as import with Visakha VC in Cambodia.–Photo from Visakha

MANILA, Philippines — Owa Retamar returns for a second tour of duty with Visakha VC in the Techo Volleyball Cambodia League (TVCL) 2026 from May to July.

Retamar arrived in Cambodia on Monday, according to the club and handler, VP Global Management.

READ: Owa Retamar reflects on ‘enjoyable’ stint in Cambodia

The Alas Pilipinas setter is eager to lead Visakha to a better finish after winning bronze in the 4th Sar Kheng Cup.

“I’m happy to be back here because I had a really good experience with the team the last time. We were able to finish third before, so now our goal is to achieve something even better,” Retamar said in Filipino.

“The fans here in men’s volleyball are also very warm and supportive. The energy they give every game really motivates you to perform well.”

The former UAAP Finals MVP and Best Setter out of National University looks forward to integrating himself back into the offensive system of Visakha in a more competitive field, where his club settled for runner-up finishes in the past editions.

READ: Owa Retamar signs with Cambodian club Visakha

“In this league, teams are allowed more than one import, so we expect every game to be even tougher. We just need to adjust quickly when it comes to chemistry and preparation,” said Retamar.

“Work starts immediately for me. I’m getting back to work as early as tomorrow.”

Retamar continues to bring his act in international play since leading Alas in last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship and bronze medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.