
Barcelona Opens La Liga Against Elche with Clear Favoritism
Barcelona enters the 2026–27 La Liga season as heavy favorites against Elche, with a predicted 3‑1 win anchored by key attacking talents and a lineup reshaped by injuries.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Raphinha across Soccer, Football.

Barcelona enters the 2026–27 La Liga season as heavy favorites against Elche, with a predicted 3‑1 win anchored by key attacking talents and a lineup reshaped by injuries.

The rise of European soccer fan clubs in Washington, D.C., is reshaping the city’s bar scene, with themed drinks, early‑morning viewings and partnerships turning local venues into cultural hubs

Barcelona's hunt for a replacement after Lewandowski and Torres leaves the club weighing high‑profile ambitions against La Liga's budget rules, while youth prospects emerge and speculation swirls around Rashford and Vlahović.

A rundown of the most talked‑about player transfers, club ambitions and managerial decisions dominating the current football narrative.

After a 2-1 loss to Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Neymar confirmed his retirement from the Brazilian national team, ending a decorated international career that began in 2010.

Neymar confirmed that Brazil's elimination from the World Cup would be his last appearance for the national team, concluding a decorated international career amid injury setbacks and a call for patience as a new generation steps forward.

Brazil will meet Norway at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 5 July, seeking to extend a winning streak while coping with key injuries.

The South American side will field the same eleven that crushed Scotland 3‑0, while the Asian side introduces a defensive overhaul and several injury concerns.

Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti has named an unchanged starting eleven for the round‑of‑32 encounter with Japan, signalling his confidence in the side that topped Group G. The only forced change sees forward Rayan stepping in for the injured Raphinha, who has been ruled out with a muscle injury. Neymar, still nursing a calf strain, will again start on the bench, leaving the attacking responsibilities to Vinicius Jr. and Matheus Cunha. Japan's coach Hajime Moriyasu has made four alterations to his lineup after a 1‑1 draw with Sweden that secured second place in Group F, and the team will line up with a five‑man defensive scheme. The new backline, featuring Shogo Taniguchi, Ko Itakura and Takehiro Tomiyasu, aims to add stability after a period of defensive inconsistency. Midfielder Takefusa Kubo, a creative spark for Japan, will be unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury, further testing the squad's depth. With both sides eager to advance, the match promises a tactical battle, as Brazil looks to extend its tournament run while Japan hopes its revised formation can unlock a pathway to the next round.

Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti has named an unchanged XI for the round‑of‑32 match against Japan, while the Asian side prepares a reshuffled defense. The encounter promises a tactical battle and a historic chance for Japan to topple the five‑time champions.

Brazil will take on Japan at Houston Stadium on Monday night in the World Cup last‑16 clash, a match that could see the Seleção advance to a potential showdown with the Netherlands or Morocco. With Neymar fully fit and a host of key players sidelined, the Brazilian side must adapt its attack without its primary creative threat.

From viral sensations to fashion collaborations, the tournament showcases a new generation of talent that is reshaping soccer culture.

Yesterday’s action saw Portugal crush Uzbekistan, England hold Ghana, while Croatia and Colombia secured narrow victories; today’s schedule pits Switzerland against Canada and Scotland against Brazil, all tracked on The Athletic’s interactive Pick’Em platform.

After more than 650 days on the sidelines, Neymar is nearing a comeback that could influence Brazil's crucial World Cup encounter with Scotland, a match that carries significant implications for group positioning and coaching strategy.

Brazil confirmed that forward Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury during the World Cup match against Haiti, but the team says he remains in contention for upcoming fixtures.

Raphinha left the World Cup clash against Haiti with a hamstring injury, yet the Brazilian soccer confederation says he is not ruled out of the tournament. With Brazil unbeaten in two group games, the team prepares for a final group match against Scotland.

Brazil secured a 3-0 victory over Haiti, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinicius Junior adding a goal. The win propels Brazil to four points in Group C while Haiti's World Cup dream ends.

Brazil defeated Haiti 3-0 in a World Cup group match, with Matheus Cunha scoring twice and Vinicius Junior adding a goal. The victory was praised by manager Carlo Ancelotti and left Haiti out of contention, while Raphinha departed with a leg injury.

Brazil and Haiti meet in a must‑win Group C encounter after both sides failed to claim victory in their opening fixtures. Brazil’s lineup will be reshaped without the injured Neymar, while a fortified defence aims to stifle Haiti’s resurgence.

From Canada’s 6‑0 thrashing of Qatar to expert forecasts for the USMNT’s showdown with Australia, the latest round of predictions highlights both surprise results and confident picks across the tournament.

From Manchester City's pursuit of Elliot Anderson to Barcelona's evaluation of Raphinha's future, clubs are orchestrating complex strategies that could redefine rosters before the new season begins.

A 1-1 stalemate saw Morocco's Ismael Saibari open the scoring before Vinícius Júnior equalised, as both sides displayed contrasting strengths ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Brazil laboured against Morocco in their opening World Cup match, with Vinicius Junior rescuing the team and Carlo Ancelotti making halftime changes that sparked a modest recovery. Persistent questions remain over the midfield and defensive setup.

Brazil and Morocco settled for a 1‑1 draw in their opening World Cup match, a result that left Group C finely balanced and highlighted both teams' strengths and vulnerabilities.