Just days before the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA have launched a mission to change a significant rule for penalty shootouts.
The first post-group-stage matches will take place on Sunday, so a final decision will need to be made before then. It’s a significant development considering the 2022 version of the tournament was decided by spot kicks.
Argentina defeated France in that Qatar showdown, with Lionel Messi’s side also similarly getting past the Netherlands.
FIFA’s Proposed Penalty Shootout Change
It seems a rather simple alteration to the current rules, but could prove to make things fairer. FIFA have asked the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to change the pre-penalty routine according to The Times.
The governing body of world football want to remove one of the two coin tosses that currently take place. These are used to decide which goal is used for the shootout, and which team takes the first spot kick.
Under the new rule, there would only be one. The winner would choose whether they want to take the first kick or decide the goal.
The midfield market this summer is booming, and Manchester United are in the thick of it, as the club looks to improve their central ranks for next season.
Those deals could prove costly, however, so Man United have another possible transfer target in mind for the window.
Man United Eye Tyler Adams Deal
A fresh target on the radar for Man United appears to be USMNT and Bournemouth star Tyler Adams, as Caught Offside claims the club are eyeing a potential deal for the midfielder.
The Red Devils are joined by Premier League rivals Chelsea in the hunt for the ‘incredible’ 27-year-old, who has impressed for both his club and country in the past year.
Adams, who featured 26 times for Bournemouth last season, has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2028, meaning he enters the final two years of his deal and could prompt an exit.
It’s claimed the Cherries aren’t actively looking to complete a sale for the midfield general, but an offer could tempt them into considering a move.
An offer around the £30 million could prompt discussions, but it’s unclear whether Man United will formalise their interest and push for a transfer this summer.
Any deal could come after the World Cup this summer, where Adams has played every minute for the USMNT during their home tournament.
Both displays were impressive, picking up wins over Paraguay and Australia, with his performances potentially having an impact on the summer transfer window.
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Tyler Adams Would Be A Smart Signing
While some of the big names on the market are set to move for huge transfer fees this summer, Man United could land a smart signing in the form of Adams.
The 27-year-old has become a Premier League regular, with plenty of quality off-the-ball that helps add some intensity to the central midfield.
This is reflective of his World Cup stats so far, playing a ball-winning role for the USMNT that has led to fans describing him as “impressive”.
There may be some hope that Adams can keep pushing on to become a leading midfielder in the Premier League, though there are naturally some concerns surrounding his injury record.
That may all have to wait until after the World Cup, as USA have progressed to the round of 32, and could make quite a dent into the tournament this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are shocking everyone with their business and ambition in the summer transfer window, as they line up another big-name signing.
Tottenham have already completed a trio of deals for manager Roberto De Zerbi after registering successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving on free transfers to boost a leaky backline, and Jan Paul van Hecke joining to do the same in a deal worth £52m.
De Zerbi may well be happy with his defence now, especially after Pedro Porro signed a new long-term deal and with Micky van de Ven currently set to stay, although it remains to be seen what happens over the futures of Cristian Romero and Luka Vuskovic, who have both been linked with summer exits.
Attentions have turned to strengthening the midfield and attack now, with Spurs holding talks over deals to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, and West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.
De Zerbi is said to want both players to boost his central midfield next season, in what would be a huge double swoop given the duo are said to be rated at least £185m combined by their respective clubs.
Spurs are also looking to strengthen right across the frontline too, including on the wings.
De Zerbi Pushing Tottenham to Sign Marcus Rashford
The free-spending Spurs are described as being determined to complete their summer business early, as they look to hit the ground quickly in pre-season and next campaign under De Zerbi.
The Italian is said to be a big fan of Rashford, and he is pushing the Tottenham hierarchy to agree some form of deal to bring the England international to London.
The north London outfit are said to be unwilling to meet the attacker’s £40m release clause, they are exploring a lower offer for the ‘world-class’ 28-year-old.
One issue for Tottenham is that Rashford would currently prefer to join another club abroad following his loan spell with Barcelona, or return to Old Trafford to fight for his place.
Those tuning into ITV’s coverage of Portugal’s 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday evening have called for one commentator to be taken off-air over “nauseating” comments about Cristiano Ronaldo. Last week, the 41-year-old extended an unwanted run by making it 10 consecutive major international tournament appearances without finding the net.
That sparked fresh debate over whether Portugal might be better off without him, particularly given Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites to go all the way this summer. Others suggested the Al-Nassr forward was past his sell-by date, but Ronaldo silenced those critics in emphatic fashion this week, producing two goals and an assist to remind everyone of his enduring quality.
After so much attention had been focussed on Lionel Messi following his flying start to Argentina’s title defence – with the Argentine leading the Golden Boot race after helping the reigning champions hit the ground running with five goals from two matches – it was finally Ronaldo’s turn to steal some of the spotlight and give his fans something to shout about.
Troy Taormina (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
During ITV’s commentary, Lee Dixon appeared to let his admiration get the better of him. Several of his remarks about the Portuguese star have since sparked backlash from viewers, with some accusing the former Arsenal defender of going overboard in his praise.
His first comment was about Ronaldo’s opening goal – where he said everyone in football would have been pleased by the moment – while the second goal produced the overexaggerated suggestion that it could go down as ‘one of the best of the tournament’. Reacting to those remarks, one X user questioned:
“Has Lee Dixon been paid by [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s PR team? The love is nauseating.”
Another added: “This Ronaldo loving from Lee Dixon is bordering on Piers Morgan levels,” as a third wrote: “Dear @ITVSport, everyone that loves football, can you please stop inflicting Lee Dixon on us. Got to be the most awful co-commentator out there. Kind regards, The British Viewing Public.”
Elsewhere, Paddy Power aimed fire by posting: “‘Everyone who loves football will be pleased he scored that!’ Lee Dixon, I can assure you that you’re sorely mistaken,” while another user concluded: “I thought seeing Ronaldo scoring a brace would be the worst thing about this game but it’s actually Lee Dixon.”
