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The Foreign Press Association (FPA) has strongly condemned a violent assault by Israeli soldiers on a CNN crew in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred while the crew was reporting on the aftermath of an assault by Israeli settlers and the establishment of an illegal outpost near the Palestinian village of Tayasir.The CNN team, which included photojournalist Cyril Theophilos, was detained by Israeli soldiers who aggressively targeted the crew and Palestinian civilians, pointing their rifles at them despite the journalists identifying themselves. The soldiers attempted to infringe the crew's right to film, ordering them to stop and threatening to confiscate their camera.In a disturbing escalation, an IDF soldier approached Theophilos from behind, placed him in a chokehold, slammed him to the ground, and damaged his camera. The FPA described the incident as a direct attack on press freedom, emphasizing that the use of force was excessive and dangerous.The association has called for an investigation into the incident, asserting that such behavior reflects a deeply alarming pattern of hostility toward the media and cannot be tolerated. The military has announced that the incident will be looked into, with Lt Col Nadav Shoshani stating that the soldiers' conduct does not represent the IDF and that an apology has been made.This incident is the second such event involving CNN this month, following an unprovoked assault on a CNN producer by Israeli police officers during Ramadan, which resulted in a fractured wrist. The ongoing violence in the West Bank and the surge in deadly attacks by Israeli settlers have raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom in the region.

In the hallway at the Portuguese federation's base in Oeiras near Lisbon, Roberto Martínez stands with arms outstretched, embodying the warmth of welcome that has defined his coaching career. Seventy-five days before the World Cup begins, the man whose favorite goal was against Scunthorpe at Springfield Park now leads one of football's most formidable nations, with matches against Mexico and the United States serving as final preparation for the tournament.Martínez's journey to this moment defied conventional expectations. Arriving in England in 1995 as a 21-year-old unknown who didn't speak English, he recalls the cultural shock: 'You've spent your whole life learning you have to look after the ball, then you get there and the first thing they say is: 'Second ball'.' The Spanish midfielder, who would later be dubbed one of the 'Three Amigos' at Wigan, embraced the challenge with an attitude that has defined his career: 'Why not?'From his humble beginnings at Wigan, where he helped win the Third Division and Football League Trophy, Martínez has carved an extraordinary path through football. His coaching career took him through Swansea, Belgium—where he led the team to the world's No. 1 ranking—and now Portugal, where he has inherited a squad filled with exceptional talent. 'Portugal is a football school,' he explains, 'Ten million people and yet they fill the world's best dressing rooms.'Central to Portugal's World Cup aspirations is Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary forward who has given 21 years to the national team. Martínez dismisses the notion that Ronaldo's pursuit of 1,000 career goals defines his motivation, instead emphasizing the 40-year-old's unwavering commitment: 'Cristiano's attitude is always: 'I'm here for the national team, whatever you need.' The coach reveals that despite a current hamstring injury, Ronaldo's absence is merely a two-week pause before his return to action.Portugal enters the World Cup as one of the favorites, with a squad boasting captains from Manchester United, Porto, Manchester City, and four key players from European champions Paris Saint-Germain. 'Winning the Nations League was very good for us,' Martínez notes, referring to their victory against Spain, the world's No. 1 team and European champions. 'I wouldn't say there's an anxiety in Portugal to win the World Cup; I would say it's excitement, hope.'The coach's meticulous preparation extends to every detail, including playing at altitude in closed stadiums to simulate World Cup conditions. His selection process reflects both compassion and pragmatism: 'I'll choose a list of 26 and four others who know they are on standby.' This approach, he believes, creates a more positive environment when injuries occur.Martínez acknowledges the unique challenges of a 48-team World Cup spanning 50 days, noting: 'No scientific study would deny a human is changed by that.' Yet he remains optimistic, drawing inspiration from Portugal's football history and the numerological significance of 2026—sixty years since Eusébio's World Cup performance. 'It's all sixes. Let's dream. Why not?' he concludes, embodying the philosophy that has taken him from Spanish unknown to Portugal's World Cup dreamer.

US men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is suffering two months in advance as he navigates a midfield selection headache with 11 weeks to go until the World Cup. The player pool he inherited had a first-choice midfield trio – Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah – with few adequately tested alternatives.With several players emerging as contenders for the final roster, Pochettino cited the midfields of Barcelona and Real Madrid to illustrate the importance of his decision. He emphasized that every time a team works, it's because the midfield is good.Weston McKennie has forged one of the clearest paths on to the World Cup roster, with Pochettino praising his adaptability and focus. Tyler Adams was left off the squad for recent friendlies due to an issue with his quadriceps, but Pochettino has experience with readying alternatives.Other players, such as Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, and Tanner Tessmann, have also made strong cases for inclusion with their club form. Johnny Cardoso has benefited from his recent performances with Atlético Madrid, and Pochettino sees him as a player with a great opportunity to make an impact.The US names their final World Cup roster on May 26, and the next two games could help determine how much suffering Pochettino will undergo in the interim as he makes his final call.

England and Uruguay ended in a 1-1 draw during their friendly match at Wembley Stadium. James Trafford, the Manchester City goalkeeper, made a quiet debut but was beaten by Fede Valverde's equalizing penalty, earning a rating of 6.Tino Livramento was untroubled in defense, supporting the attack with energetic runs, though connections were lacking, also scoring 6. Harry Maguire had a solid return to the international scene with booming passes and a set-piece threat, rated 6.Fikayo Tomori was unruffled in his first England appearance since November 2023, despite a toothless Uruguay attack, earning 6. Djed Spence was fine defensively but struggled as a right footer at left-back, checking back frequently, rated 6.Jordan Henderson was occasionally bypassed in midfield and offered little on the ball before being substituted at half-time, scoring 5. James Garner had a decent debut, delivering dangerous corners, rated 6.Noni Madueke won some corners but often held onto the ball too long and went off injured, earning 6. Phil Foden failed to deliver as the No 10 and may worry about his World Cup place, rated 5.Marcus Rashford had an underwhelming night, mostly dribbling into dead ends, scoring 5. Dominic Solanke tested Fernando Muslera from long range and worked hard without looking likely to score, rated 6.The substitutes had varied impacts: Jarrod Bowen was quiet, Adam Wharton offered urgent passing and a crucial block, Cole Palmer had a lively cameo and delivered the corner for the goal, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed wide from a free-kick.

The US men's national team is facing a critical center-back shortage ahead of their friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, mirroring the kind of injury crisis they might encounter at the World Cup. Defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson are out due to injuries, leaving Pochettino with only three healthy natural center-backs: Tim Ream, Auston Trusty, and Mark McKenzie.Pochettino is considering tactical adjustments and alternative players to fill the gap. He mentioned that the absences could create an opportunity to try players at different spots, including Joe Scally, a right-back who has played as a right center-back in a three-man backline, and Tanner Tessmann, a midfielder who has filled in as a center-back for Lyon on several occasions.The team's strategy and player versatility will be put to the test as they prepare for the World Cup. Pochettino emphasized the importance of being prepared for such situations, stating, “When we talk about being right in the players that you pick … if this is happening in a World Cup, you need to see all the options that you have.”The friendlies against Belgium and Portugal will serve as a crucial test for the team's depth and adaptability, with potential implications for the World Cup roster. The USMNT will have to make the most of their current squad, as there are no reinforcements coming.

New Zealand football players have expressed their willingness to play their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Iran outside the United States, citing the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. The match, scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles, has been put into doubt due to Iran's threat to boycott fixtures on US soil.The Iranian Football Federation has raised concerns over the fixture, following the recent escalation of tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. Despite this, New Zealand's players remain committed to the match and are prepared to adapt if necessary.Ryan Thomas, a Netherlands-based midfielder for New Zealand, emphasized that Iran has earned its spot in the World Cup and that the team would be able to manage the extra attention generated by the match. 'They deserve to be there as qualifiers,' he told Reuters. 'If we've got to play them in Mexico or Canada, then yeah, we play them there. It's not really a big deal for me.'New Zealand's team is set to be based in San Diego, California, which is close to the Mexican border. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has indicated that her country would be open to hosting Iran's World Cup fixtures, should a venue switch be necessary.Kosta Barbarouses, an Australia-based winger for New Zealand, echoed Thomas's sentiments, stating that a venue switch would not disrupt the team's preparations. 'I don't think it would derail our preparation at all,' he told Reuters. 'We've got a base before our first game, anyway. So, yeah, I don't see why not.'FIFA has declined to comment on the possibility of switching venues for Iran's games but has stated that it is in contact with the Iranian Football Federation and looks forward to teams competing as per the current match schedule.

James Garner has described this year as a defining moment in his career, and his recent first England call-up is a testament to his hard work. The 25-year-old Everton midfielder could make his international debut in upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.Garner had a clear goal at the start of the season: to showcase his abilities and prove himself. Despite facing challenges, including serious back injuries and Everton's relegation battles, he has emerged as an integral member of David Moyes's side, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League.His versatility, playing both as a central midfielder and right-back, and his expertise in set-pieces, make him a valuable asset. Garner expressed his satisfaction with the season's progress, stating, “I told myself at the start of the season that this season has to be the season that I can show everyone what I can do and I think so far I have done.”Having previously represented England at youth levels and winning the Under-21 European Championship in 2023, Garner aims to make a significant impact with the senior team. He shared his excitement about the opportunity, mentioning his family's pride, especially his father's, who is a Liverpool supporter.Garner's journey from Manchester United's youth ranks to Everton and now to the England squad highlights his determination and talent. As he prepares for a potential debut, he remains focused on contributing to England's success and hopes to win a trophy with the senior team.

Manchester United Women are on the brink of a monumental week in their history, marked by two high-stakes matches that could define their season. The team, led by coach Marc Skinner, will first face Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday. This comes on the heels of a crucial WSL derby against league leaders Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Red Devils will then travel to Munich's Allianz Arena for the second leg against Bayern next Wednesday, seeking to make history by reaching a European semi-final. A successful week could see them establish themselves among Europe's elite, while a disappointing outcome might leave them questioning their progress. Manchester United's journey in the Champions League has been impressive, with their defense standing out as one of the best in the competition. Captain Maya Le Tissier has been a key player, recovering the ball more times than any other player in the Champions League this season. However, they face a formidable Bayern Munich side, which boasts highly skilled players like Klara Bühl and Pernille Harder. Despite injury challenges, including the absence of left-back Anna Sandberg and midfielder Ella Toone, the team received a boost with the return of Jayde Riviere. Skinner emphasized the importance of maximizing this moment, stating, “We’ve got two fantastic games against a brilliant opponent, and we’ve got to maximise the moment.”

Pep Guardiola was given the opportunity to engage in pre-match mind games with rival coach Mikel Arteta ahead of Manchester City's meeting with Arsenal in the English League Cup final on Sunday. However, he chose not to take the bait.Instead, Guardiola shifted the focus to global issues, stating, “Look what’s happened around the world. We have an incredible chaos and nobody moves one finger. Everything is behind the scenes. The world is going to collapse and still we are here talking about dark arts.”This comment recalled a previous flashpoint between the teams in September 2024, when Arsenal's tactics drew criticism from several City players following a 2-2 draw. Midfielder Bernardo Silva described Arsenal's players as pushing “the limits of what was possible to do,” while defender John Stones said they “break up the game which upsets the rhythm.” Full back Kyle Walker, no longer at City, referred to Arsenal's perceived tactics as “dark arts.”Guardiola praised Arsenal's evolution and “solidarity,” noting they are in contention to win four trophies this season as the Premier League leader by nine points and having advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and FA Cup. He described Arsenal as an “exceptional team” and acknowledged the challenge they pose.Arteta, who previously worked under Guardiola at City from 2016-19, acknowledged that their relationship “had to” change due to their current roles as rivals. However, he expressed his enduring respect for Guardiola, citing his “inspiration” since he was young.