Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu told his players to celebrate their 3-2 friendly win over Brazil on Tuesday but warned it would paint a target on their backs at next year's World Cup.

Japan claimed their first win over Brazil after roaring back in the second half to stun Carlo Ancelotti's side in Tokyo.

🇯🇵⚡️ JAPAN BEAT BRAZIL FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

Three second-half goals from Moriyasu’s side complete a brilliant comeback to seal a historic victory. pic.twitter.com/h2tTVCNoRf

— Japanese Football (@JapaneseFbl) October 14, 2025

Japan have never gone beyond the last 16 at a World Cup but Moriyasu has said they are aiming to lift the trophy in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

They beat Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Moriyasu said their victory over Brazil will have been felt around the world.

"I want the players to celebrate this result but strong teams will pay us more attention from now on," he said.

"Beating top teams like Brazil in official competitions requires progress and caution and I want the players to build on the confidence they have got from today's result."

Paulo Henrique and Gabriel Martinelli scored as Brazil turned on the style in the opening 45 minutes, four days after thrashing South Korea 5-0 in Seoul.

But Japan hit back after the break with goals from Takumi Minamino, Keito Nakamura and Ayase Ueda sending the crowd of almost 45 000 wild.

It was Japan's first win over Brazil in 14 attempts.

Kirin Challenge Cup 2025🏆

Japan 3–2 Brazil

Japan defeats Brazil for the first time ever! Congratulations, Japan!🇯🇵🇯🇵 🎉pic.twitter.com/GTBXjzq1rj

— おはよ!まいぶらざー (@OhayoMybrother) October 14, 2025

"Beating Brazil can have a big impact on us going into the World Cup," said Nakamura.

"We still have games to play in November and March and we want to keep this going."

It was Brazil's second defeat since the Italian Ancelotti took over in May, following a 1-0 away loss to Bolivia in World Cup qualifying.

Ancelotti said his team needed better balance but vowed to continue experimenting with his line-up before the World Cup.

"We need to learn from the mistakes we made in the second half," said Ancelotti.

"I think the biggest problem was not having a good reaction to the first mistake."

'NOT EASY TO BEAT BRAZIL'

Ancelotti shuffled his line-up from the team that hammered South Korea, dropping goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo to the bench along with Manchester United's Matheus Cunha.

Martinelli and Luiz Henrique came in to partner Vinicius Junior up front.

Japan were missing several injured regulars including Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

Brazil opened the scoring when a slick passing move sent Paulo Henrique clear and the Vasco da Gama defender finished in style.

Martinelli made it two just minutes later when he smashed the ball past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki after Lucas Paqueta had found him with a clever chipped pass.

Japan pulled one back seven minutes into the second half when Minamino pounced on a loose ball by Fabricio Bruno and blasted it past Hugo Souza.

"That goal was the start of our comeback and it's great that it led to the win," said Minamino.

The hosts grabbed an equaliser when Nakamura turned in the ball at the back post, via a heavy deflection from the hapless Bruno.

Ueda then hit the crossbar before putting Japan in front a minute later with a bullet header.

Japan finally crack Brazil after 13 matches—Ueda's near-post flick from Ito's inswinger leaves the Seleção marking statuesque. Moriyasu's set piece routines gave them fits. Tactical chess more than samba tonight.pic.twitter.com/0nd3WOCrdz

— Danny Odds (@OddsDanny) October 14, 2025

Brazil tried to find a way back into the game but Japan dealt comfortably with their attacks and could have added to their own tally.

"It was a friendly but it's not easy to beat Brazil," said Moriyasu.

"Our players worked hard and we are trying every day to improve the level of the team.

"The players work for the team and for the country and they showed that today."

Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun scored to give the United States a 2-0 victory over Japan while Mexico battled South Korea to a 2-2 draw in international football friendlies on Tuesday.

Zendejas scored in the 30th minute and Monaco striker Balogun added an insurance goal in the 64th minute as the Americans improved to 7-6 with one drawn this year with the triumph before 20 192 at Columbus, Ohio.

"Just waiting for my moment," said Zendejas, a winger for Mexico's Club America. "It's crazy to take all this in. I didn't expect to get called up. Just trying to take advantage of every opportunity."

In another football friendly on US soil, AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez netted the equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time to lift Mexico into a draw with South Korea at Nashville, Tennessee.

All four teams in action are set for next year's World Cup, Japan and South Korea through Asian qualifying and the USA and Mexico as co-hosts with Canada of the global showdown.

South Korea beat the Americans 2-0 on Saturday, the same day Japan and Mexico played to a goal-less draw.

Japan swapped out all 11 starters from the Mexico draw while US coach Mauricio Pochettino changed five starters from the South Korea defeat.

"I'm satisfied because I think the players deserve this result," Pochettino said. "When you're strong in your ideas, it's about moving forward. At the end of the match, I thanked the players and encouraged them to continue improving their teams."

Japan goalkeeper Keisuke Osako made nine saves in a losing cause while Matt Freese had six for the shutout.

"It shows us that it's working," Freese said of the triumph. "We all believe in the plan and the process but tangible results like tonight, it just makes it even more obvious."

"When we're courageous and we go, when we're aggressive and play like ourselves, when we can hang with the best and play really good stuff, we're a difficult team to play against when we're at our best."

The Americans grabbed a 1-0 lead when Max Arfsten's cross from the left wing into the heart of the box was struck with a left-footed volley by Zendejas into the lower left corner of the goal.

"Luckily the ball came my way," Zendejas said. "Coming to my left I had to finish that."

Balogun netted the other goal, taking a through ball down the left side from Christian Pulisic and blasting a left-footed shot from a steep angle into the far side of the goal.

"It was important to get the win," Balogun said. "We're building something big here. It takes time. The result was the most important thing. Confidence. I think it's really important. I feel happy with the team's performance."

MEXICO TIES IT LATE

At Nashville, Mexico's Raúl Jiménez, a striker for English Premier League side Fulham, netted a header from the heart of the box into the top right corner in the 22nd minute.

Son Heung-min, a former Tottenham star now at Los Angeles FC, lifted South Korea level in the 65th minute, taking a headed pass from Oh Hyeon-gyu and blasting in a left-footed shot.

Oh lifted the Koreans ahead 2-1 in the 75th minute, taking a pass from Lee Kang-in, driving down the right side and firing the ball with his right foot just inside the left post.

But Giménez had the magic at the finish, sending a left-footed shot from outside the box into the top left corner.

Pape Matar Sarr scored from the halfway line as Tottenham punished a shaky performance by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya to win the first north London derby staged outside the UK 1-0 on Thursday.

Raya, who had already been caught in no-man's land twice as inswinging corners hit the post, was at fault again in the 45th minute when Sarr robbed Myles Lewis-Skelly just inside the Arsenal half.

The Spurs midfielder looked up, saw Raya stranded way outside his penalty area and let fly to score in outrageous fashion from 50 yards out.

Outrageous from Pape Sarr 😮‍💨

Don't miss the action – watch the second half live on SPURSPLAY 📺

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 31, 2025

Nominally a pre-season "friendly", there was no love lost on the pitch between the bitter rivals.

Tackles flew in and tempers frayed in a fiercely contested clash in front of a 49 975 sellout crowd under the roof in Hong Kong's air-conditioned Kai Tak Stadium.

Arsenal started the stronger but it was Tottenham who hit the woodwork three times in a frantic first half and deserved their lead at the break.

Arsenal laid siege to the Tottenham goal at the start of the second half, but new manager Thomas Frank had his defence well-drilled and the Gunners found it hard to break through.

Gabriel Martinelli did manage to find an opening on 58 minutes but shot wastefully over the bar from 14 yards.

Arsenal brought on Leandro Trossard and new signing Martin Zubimendi, who almost scored with his first touch when his shot was deflected over the bar.

A huge cheer went up when Son Heung-min was introduced by Tottenham in the 75th minute.

Thank you for the brilliant support in Hong Kong, Gooners. pic.twitter.com/3P0Ap3RfF4

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 31, 2025

It was followed by an even bigger ovation when new striker Viktor Gyokeres also came off the bench for his Arsenal debut with 13 minutes to go.

The Swedish striker, sporting the number 14 shirt made famous by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, was signed for $67 million six days ago.

He made some darting runs as Arsenal pressed for a late equaliser, but will need time to get up to speed with his new club.

Tottenham now fly on to South Korea to face Newcastle United on Sunday, while Arsenal head home after three matches in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal as the Premier League champions beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in a pre-season friendly in Japan on Wednesday.

French forward Hugo Ekitike made his debut for Liverpool, one week after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported £69 million.

Wirtz equalised after Yokohama opened the scoring early in the second half, the German slamming home a right-foot shot from inside the box in front of over 65 000 fans.

Flo's goal 🤩⚽️ pic.twitter.com/mDXaM5bQmw

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025

"I am really happy that I could score my first goal. I hope there are more to come," said Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster deal.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha also scored for Liverpool, who announced the sale of Colombian forward Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he was happy to see his team come from behind to win but was not pleased with their missed chances.

"It could be with a tough training camp and it could be with the heat circumstances," said the Dutchman.

"But that's something that we definitely have to improve."

Arne Slot saw a number of 'very positive things' from our 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos 🗣️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed the match after travelling home to Brazil "for private reasons", Liverpool said.

Shortly before kickoff, an emotional tribute was given to Diogo Jota, who passed away this month in a car crash.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/UIHkvyOAzv

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025

Liverpool dominated throughout but Yokohama opened the scoring when Asahi Uenaka pounced in the 55th minute to beat Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Wirtz levelled when he latched onto a Mohamed Salah pass.

Nyoni volleyed home a Jeremie Frimpong cross to put Liverpool in front, before Ngumoha dribbled from the halfway line and fired in a shot from the edge of the box.

Frimpong 🔗 Nyoni 💫 pic.twitter.com/qIv1oFYpuW

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025

Rio on the scoresheet ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/R5Pe5wv0VU

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025

Martin Odegaard's spot-kick in the 84th minute extended Arsenal's pre-season winning run in Singapore after they beat fellow English Premier League side Newcastle 3-2 at the National Stadium in Singapore on Sunday evening.

In an entertaining match played out in front of more than 38 700 fans, it was Newcastle who took the early advantage after scoring with their first attack in the sixth minute.

New signing Anthony Elanga enjoyed his perfect start in the black and white by blasting the ball into the bottom right corner after meeting a cross from Sandro Tonali.

But Arsenal overcame a shaky start, regaining their rhythm and control of the game. Mikel Merino drew level for the Gunners with a clinical strike in the 33rd minute from Kai Havertz's flick.

They then found themselves ahead two minutes later when Alex Murphy fumbled the ball into his own net.

The Magpies almost conceded a third after the restart in the 57th minute, but had keeper Nick Pope to thank after he stopped a shot from a bicycle kick by Bukayo Saka.

Against the run of play, substitute Jacob Murphy levelled for Newcastle a minute later after his shot from outside the box sneaked past David Raya at his near post.

With the match seemingly headed for a draw, it was 15-year-old Max Dowman's deep run into the box, where he was clipped by Joelinton, that proved to be the game-changer.

Odegaard then made no mistake from the spot kick to give Arsenal their second win after their earlier 1-0 victory over AC Milan.

Signing off in Singapore with a win 🫡 pic.twitter.com/CNWvY2Rnau

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 27, 2025

Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for Barcelona in a 3-1 pre-season win over J. League side Vissel Kobe in Japan on Sunday, coming on as a substitute.

The English forward joined the Spanish champions on loan from boyhood club Manchester United this week and was thrust into action against Kobe in the second half.

Barcelona had initially cancelled the match on Wednesday, citing unspecified "serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter".

But the friendly went ahead and Eric Garcia opened the scoring in the first half for the visitors before Taisei Miyashiro equalised for the J. League team that retired Barca star Andres Iniesta once played for.

New guy looked sharp out there pic.twitter.com/wKIGkSjm8h

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 27, 2025

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick changed his line-up at half-time and new signing Roony Bardghji restored their lead in the 77th minute.

Pedro Fernandez added a third in the 87th minute.

Barcelona are paying around 75 percent of Rashford's £325 000-a-week wage while he is at the club, with the player foregoing the rest, according to Spanish reports.

The 27-year-old England international was out of favour under United coach Ruben Amorim and spent the final months of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.

Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Manchester United kicked off their tour of the United States with a 2-1 win over West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series tournament in New Jersey on Saturday.

United skipper Fernandes punished two blunders by West Ham's France international goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to seal victory for Ruben Amorim's side in sweltering conditions at the MetLife Stadium.

Areola was at fault for both of United's goals and although Jarrod Bowen pulled a goal back for the Hammers, the London club never seriously troubled the 13-time Premier League champions.

Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fifth minute, calmly sending Areola the wrong way after the Frenchman had needlessly shoved Ayden Heaven to the ground after losing possession.

Fernandes doubled United's lead in the 52nd minute with a clever finish after another howler from Areola, whose sloppy pass out from the back went straight to United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on the edge of the area.

 

Bruno doubles our lead with a lovely lofted finish 😍 pic.twitter.com/egCESwbMUB

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2025

 

Mainoo slipped a pass to Fernandes, who then coolly lifted a finish over the stranded Areola to put United in control.

Bowen's clever finish in the 63rd minute reduced the deficit, and the England forward forced a good save from Altay Bayindir in injury time, but United held on.

"It's good to win, even being a friendly – we want to get every game to prepare ourselves in the best way and obviously go into the season in a positive way," Fernandes told NBC Sports after the victory.

"Overall the game was good, we were very good on the ball. In some moments we could have done longer possessions and we rushed it a little bit. We have to work on that... but I think overall it was a very good game for us."

 

Goodnight, New Jersey! ✌️

MOTM Bruno Fernandes and @ManUtd signing off with a win from MetLife ✍️ pic.twitter.com/mpXC18sbrn

— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) July 27, 2025

 

United's new $87 million signing Bryan Mbeumo travelled with the team to the United States but did not feature in the matchday squad.

Mbeumo could make his debut when United face Bournemouth in the second round of fixtures in the four-team tournament in Chicago on Wednesday.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, cruised to a 3-0 victory over Everton in their opener earlier on Saturday at the same venue.

Goals from Philip Billing, Dango Outtara and Daniel Adu-Adjei sealed a comfortable win for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth side

After a low-key first half, Billing fired Bournemouth into the lead in the 55th minute, gliding away from his marker at the edge of the area before unleashing a ferocious shot that flew past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

 

Our Summer Series campaign starts in superb fashion 💪 pic.twitter.com/qruTLlsZLi

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 26, 2025

 

England international Pickford was beaten again four minutes later after a move that began when Outtara surged clear down the left flank.

Everton defender Nathan Patterson looked to have covered the danger, but a poor touch allowed Burkina Faso international Outtara to hammer a shot high into the net past Pickford's near post.

Adu-Adjei made it 3-0 to the Cherries in the 69th minute, pouncing on an underhit backpass from Jake O'Brien to coolly finish past Pickford.

Bournemouth cruised to a 3-0 victory over Everton in the opening round of the Premier League Summer Series exhibition tournament at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

Goals from Philip Billing, Dango Outtara and Daniel Adu-Adjei sealed a comfortable win for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth side in a game played in sweltering conditions.

A big W 🤝

Plenty of positives to take into the rest of the tour 🍒👊 pic.twitter.com/wWfspKIbTQ

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) July 26, 2025

After a low-key first half, Billing fired Bournemouth into the lead in the 55th minute, gliding away from his marker at the edge of the area before unleashing a ferocious shot that flew past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

England international Pickford was beaten again four minutes later after a move that began when Outtara surged clear down the left flank.

Everton defender Nathan Patterson looked to have covered the danger, but a poor touch allowed Burkina Faso international Outtara to hammer a shot high into the net past Pickford's near post.

Adu-Adjei made it 3-0 to the Cherries in the 69th minute, pouncing on an underhit backpass from Jake O'Brien to coolly finish past Pickford.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored as Premier League champions Liverpool were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan on Saturday in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

Liverpool, with record signing Florian Wirtz making his first start, controlled large parts of the match under a closed roof at Kai Tak Stadium, but a shaky defence was punished on the break for all four Milan goals.

Rafael Leao opened the scoring for the Italian side on 10 minutes with Dominik Szoboszlai's superb strike equalising 16 minutes later to make it 1-1 at halftime.

But Loftus-Cheek and two goals from substitute Noah Okafor, either side of Cody Gakpo's late header, gave AC Milan victory.

Full-time in Hong Kong. pic.twitter.com/oMHL63CcPL

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2025

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said there were positives to take from the game but admitted his side needed to improve before their first competitive match, the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on 10 August.

"I saw a few good things," he told reporters, referring especially to the first half when a largely first-choice Liverpool created a host of chances but only converted one.

Slot made nine changes at the break and a largely makeshift defence was caught out time and again.

"We wanted to give 20 players some playing time. So as a result of that, too many players didn't play in their own position. We were a bit too open.

"We have to improve in certain areas, because we were counter-attacked too much today."

Loftus-Cheek, who also had spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham, said it was special to score against Liverpool.

"It's nice to play against a Premier League team again," said Loftus-Cheek, whose side had lost 1-0 to Arsenal in a friendly on Wednesday.

'LOT TO IMPROVE ON'

"Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. It was a good test for us tonight.

"It's just about feeling better physically, gelling as a team, and there's a lot for us to improve.

"So we'll take that and move on."

Liverpool's Hong Kong fans vastly outnumbered those supporting AC Milan in the 49 704 sellout crowd.

Your support was incredible - thank you, Hong Kong ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nZGfbEpAU6

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2025

They paid a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota, who passed away this month in a car crash.

Flowers were laid by Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish in front of fans, who responded by holding up a mosaic spelling out "DJ20" in honour of Jota's number 20 shirt, which has been retired by the club.

pic.twitter.com/74VGMxrmb1

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 26, 2025

Leao, too, remembered his fellow Portuguese player Jota as he offered a silent prayer and formed the number 20 with his fingers after scoring the opener.

Wirtz played 45 minutes and looked comfortable directing operations, showing hints of why Bayer Leverkusen were paid a reported British transfer record $150 million for the German playmaker.

Other new Liverpool signings, defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong both came on as substitutes at halftime.

Another defender, Joe Gomez, has flown home for treatment of a minor Achilles problem.

Striker Hugo Ekitike, who was signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported $92 million, was not ready to take part, having only flown in to join his new teammates two days earlier.

Liverpool started without a recognised central striker as Darwin Nunez, who was injured, and Luis Diaz, linked with a move away from Anfield, were left out.

Liverpool will now fly to Japan to face Yokohama F-Marinos on Wednesday.

Arsenal kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 1–0 win over Italian giants AC Milan at the National Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday.

Manager Mikel Arteta started the match with several regulars, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Ben White.

Christian Norgaard, a new signing from Brentford, made his first appearance for the Gunners, while fellow arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi started on the bench.

In front of more than 22 800 fans, Arsenal, who finished runner-up in the last three consecutive seasons in the English Premier League, looked the more lively of the two sides in the first half, dominating possession but failing to convert their chances.

Arteta then made six changes at the break, with Arrizabalaga and Zubimendi introduced to the Arsenal faithful.

Their breakthrough came just seven minutes into the restart, as England international Bukayo Saka latched onto a cross from defender Jakub Kiwior and slotted the ball home into the far corner.

Saka, later named Man of the Match, made way for 15-year-old Max Dowman – a product of the club academy – who impressed with his confidence and flair.

Arsenal continued to press for a second goal, but Milan's substitute goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani denied Mikel Merino's header with a full-stretch save in the 75th minute.

He was called into action again seven minutes later, tipping Leandro Trossard's close-range effort over the bar to keep the scoreline in Arsenal's favour.

Victory in the first friendly of our Asia Tour ✊

Check out the match report from today's 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 23, 2025

"I'm very happy with the attitude and the domination we had shown throughout the game. But there are always things to improve," Arteta said at the post-match press conference.

"I have to find that cohesion within the players, and they have to continue to step up to the next level. But we are heading in a good direction."

The Londoners next take on fellow Premier League side Newcastle on Sunday.

The United States suffered their third straight loss under coach Mauricio Pochettino as they fell to a 2-1 friendly defeat to Turkey in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday.

Pochettino, whose team lost to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March, was without several starters, including captain and AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic.

Almost a year out from the start of the World Cup, which the USA is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, Pochettino used the match to take a look at some of those on the fringes of his squad.

One of those, Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn, put the home side ahead in the second minute in spectacular fashion.

The 21-year-old picked the ball up on the right flank, cut inside and then curled a beautiful shot from 20-yards out into the far corner.

It was an intense start from a hungry looking USA, but Turkey soon found their footing and began to apply pressure on the USA back line.

Arda Guler missed a great chance, unmarked in the box he leaned back and fired over the bar and then Orkun Kokcu forced debutant keeper Matt Freese into a fine save with a fierce drive.

The visitors' pressure paid off in the 24th minute but it was gifted to them by USA midfielder Johnny Cardoso who, attempting to play out from the back, clipped a pass against Guler which ricocheted past Freese and into the net.

Less then three minutes later, Turkey had the lead after the USA defence was unable to clear and the ball fell to Kerem Akturkoglu who drove home.

Pochettino's men were much better after the break though and were unfortunate not to draw level - Max Arfsten headed wide from close range and Patrick Agyemang had a shot on target but the best opportunity fell to Malik Tillman.

Substitute Tyler Adams floated a lovely cross to the back post but with all the goal to aim at, Tillman headed straight at Turkey keeper Berke Ozer.

As the USA pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Turkey had a late chance to make it 3-1 but after a swift counter-attack Baris Alper Yilmaz screwed his shot wide.

"For the first time for a few camps there were more positives than negatives," said midfielder Adams.

"I think we have a lot of room for growth, if you asked me in March, I would say that we were far away but after a performance like that, there's a lot more positives that we can take away," he added.

The USA face Switzerland in Nashville on Tuesday.

Manchester United suffered fresh embarrassment and were booed off as they lost 1-0 to a Southeast Asian XI in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday in front of 72 550 spectators.

Ruben Amorim's side, who finished 15th in the Premier League for their worst season since 1974, looked lethargic and devoid of ideas in the gruelling heat.

Some fans at Bukit Jalil National Stadium left before the end and there were boos at the final whistle.

United have struggled for goals all year and it was more evidence why they are reportedly prepared to shell out £62.5 million on Brazilian international attacker Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Amorim, who was clearly frustrated during the match and shook his head at times, refused to confirm the Cunha deal.

The Portuguese coach was happy though to leave the Malaysian capital and head to Hong Kong with no new injuries and had no issue with fans booing his team off.

"We were slow and we still don't have it in us to win every exercise in training, every game," he said.

"The boos from the fans, it's something that we need."

Defeat in Malaysia.#MUFC || #MUTOUR25

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 28, 2025

In their first of two post-season games in Asia, United started with several regulars including Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Andre Onana.

In temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius at kickoff, it was the ASEAN All Stars who looked more threatening in the first half.

They shot just wide in the 16th minute and Onana was then called into action with a low save that endeared him to the pro-United crowd.

Mainoo provided the first real threat for United with a 25-yard effort that was turned behind for a corner, before the young midfielder saw his shot cleared off the line in the 38th minute.

Captain Bruno Fernandes came on in the second half and his half-volley lit up a drab restart.

Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho, on the trip despite looking like he is headed for the exit at United, made a lively cameo off the bench.

United were better in the second half but the Southeast Asian side stunned the visitors in the 71st minute when Burmese attacker Maung Maung Lwin found himself clean through on goal before firing into the top corner past Tom Heaton.

Soon after Heaton came to United's rescue to prevent further embarrassment.

United play the Hong Kong team on Friday.

South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, has revealed his preliminary squad for the June international friendlies against Tanzania and Namibia, setting the stage for an exciting shake-up in the team’s lineup.

With Mamelodi Sundowns players unavailable due to their Fifa Club World Cup commitments, Broos has seized the opportunity to assess new talent.

Rising Orlando Pirates stars Mohau Nkota and Simphiwe Selepe headline the fresh inclusions, alongside Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart, who has been rewarded for his standout performances.

Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala and Bruce Bvuma also make the cut, adding depth to the squad.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announces his preliminary squad for the International Friendly matches to be played at home in June 2025.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/xklKCKNZAM

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) May 22, 2025

These friendlies, scheduled for 6 June and 10 June, will serve as crucial preparation for Bafana Bafana’s upcoming Fifa World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

Broos is expected to trim the squad to a final 21-player list in the coming days, making this a pivotal moment for players looking to cement their place in the national setup.

With fresh faces, strategic selections and a clear vision for the future, South Africa’s national team is gearing up for an exciting period of international competition.

The preliminary squad will be reduced to 23 players in the coming days when Broos announces his final list for the two matches.

England will face Senegal at Nottingham Forest's City Ground in June, while Wales will make an October trip to Wembley, the Football Association announced on Wednesday.

The two friendlies complete the schedule for the Three Lions in 2025, which is mainly focused on qualification for next year's World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time next month in World Cup qualifiers at home to Albania and Latvia.

The Euro 2024 finalists also face Serbia and Andorra in qualifying to reach the World Cup, which will be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Locking in our 105th meeting with Wales 🔒🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

The #ThreeLions will take on the Dragons under the @WembleyStadium lights in October. pic.twitter.com/4pk4KFZTxK

— England (@England) February 19, 2025

The City Ground last hosted England's senior men's team for a competitive fixture in March 1909, a 2-0 Home Championship win against Wales.

Senegal will travel to Nottingham on 10 June, while Wales make the short trip to London on 9 October.

"The games against Senegal and Wales will present good challenges for us against two very different opponents," said Tuchel.

"Facing a strong African team in a passionate city with rich football heritage and then a derby match at the iconic Wembley; two big occasions that can only help us on the road to the World Cup.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🆚🇸🇳

The City Ground will host a competitive England senior men’s game for the first time since March 1909 when the #ThreeLions play Senegal in June! pic.twitter.com/0kxrUbsr9G

— England (@England) February 19, 2025

"While I know Wembley is our home, I also understand the importance of taking the team around the country when we are able to and the opportunity to experience playing at a famous old English stadium such as the City Ground is one we can all look forward to."

New United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has hailed AC Milan's American winger Christian Pulisic as one of the best forwards in the world but has warned he may need to limit his workload.

Pochettino will take charge of the USA for the first time on Saturday in Austin when his team take on Panama in a friendly.

The Argentine will then take his team to Mexico for a friendly in Guadalajara on Tuesday to conclude his first window since being appointed to replace Gregg Berhalter.

Pulisic, who made his debut for his country as a 17-year-old, has amassed 73 caps by the age of 26 and is enjoying a rich run of form with his club in Serie A.

The former Dortmund and Chelsea winger has featured in all seven Serie A games for Milan, scoring five goals and has two Champions League appearances, scoring against Liverpool.

Pochettino did not hold back in his assessment of Pulisic's talent.

"(He's) a great player, fantastic player, a player that I think is going to help now and in the future to put the team in a place that we want, I think he is a fantastic player, one of the best offensive players in the world," he said.

But the former Tottenham manager suggested Pulisic's workload may need to be carefully managed.

"He is playing every single game, every single minute, that is also a thing that we are a little bit worried (about)," he said.

"Sometimes we need to protect, we will see, because he arrived a little bit tired, but that is a thing that I told before – to build a very good relationship with the club and try to help and when we really need him, he needs to be in form, happy, strong. The quality is there because he has an enormous talent, he is a fantastic player," he added.

FRESH

Pochettino said he would not be taking any gambles with player fitness during the two friendly games.

"(On Saturday) we want to put in place 11 players that feel fresh and with the possibility to compete at their best and not to take risks because that is another thing that I wanted to tell you that we are not going to take risks with our players," he said.

"We need to be responsible also with the clubs. We need to send them (back) in the same, but not in worse," he added.

Some of Pochettino's players have said the preparation this week has been "intense" but the coach said that didn't purely reflect the physical aspect of training but the players adapting to his approach to the game.

"We are a coaching staff that we demand a lot, I think, because we really believe that you want to compete in your best, you need to train, replicate the intensity that is going to be demanded in the competition," he said.

The Argentine, whose most recent role was at Chelsea, said he had been pleased to see a positive attitude from the team, which had been criticised for their recent displays which saw just one win in their last seven games.

"One thing that the 25 players share is the motivation to be here and to play for the national team. That is amazing, how excited to come here," he said.

But he said it would take time for the team to adapt to the new coaching staff.

"The important thing is to talk and to know (each other) outside of the field. And then (for us) to know them also on the pitch," he added.

New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick made a triumphant start to his tenure on Tuesday as the Spanish giants beat Manchester City on penalties after their pre-season friendly at Orlando finished 2-2 at fulltime.

🔥 BARÇA BEAT CITY IN ORLANDO! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Gi2u5l2TJ2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024

Toni Fernandez, who signed with Barca earlier this month after turning 16, flicked in a left-footed shot past reserve City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega to give the German manager's side a 4-1 win on penalties.

Barcelona kicked off their US tour in the pre-season contest against the four-time reigning Premier League champions, guided by former Barcelona player and coach Pep Guardiola.

A sellout crowd of 63 237 spectators were unhappy early as a storm delayed the start by 80 minutes, but were delighted with a strong early pace, before both teams gave reserve players abundant time on the pitch.

Barcelona jumped ahead 3-0 on penalty kicks thanks to a left-footed shot by Alejandro Balde before Amar Ahmed kept City in it by beating reserve Barca goalkeeper Ander Astralaga, setting the stage for the teen newcomer's heroics.

🍿 HIGHLIGHTS! 🍿
Barça Beat City in Penalty Shootout Thriller pic.twitter.com/NNK5Wb5fi2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 31, 2024

Pau Victor had opened the scoring in open play for Barcelona in the 24th minute, taking a quick through ball pass from Marc Casado and firing a right-footed blast from the right side into the goal.

Nico O'Riley answered for Manchester City in the 39th minute, firing in a left-footed shot from the left side off a pass from Josko Gvardiol, the Croatian international making his first US tour start.

Pablo Torre's goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time gave Barcelona a 2-1 halftime lead.

The 21-year-old Spanish midfielder took a centreing pass from Gerard Martin at the left wing, nudged the ball to his right, then blasted a right-footed shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson and inside the left post.

Jack Grealish equalized for City in the 60th minute off an impressive fast break.

Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, making his first start on City's US tour, gathered a loose ball just beyond the City box, split two defenders and raced upfield with the ball before passing to English left winger Grealish, who outraced a defender and finished with an outstanding left-footed shot from a steep angle high into the goal.

Barcelona will continue their US tour with pre-season matches against Real Madrid and AC Milan.

City, who lost earlier US matches to Celtic and AC Milan, will close the US tour by facing Chelsea on Saturday at Columbus, Ohio.

Scotland have been left waiting on the fitness of Lyndon Dykes after the striker was carried off on a stretcher during training on Friday.

Dykes's leg injury is now being assessed by the Scotland medical team two weeks before Steve Clarke's side begin their Euro 2024 campaign against hosts Germany.

More immediately it cast a shadow over the 28-year-old's involvement in Monday's friendly against Gibraltar.

Images emerged on social media of Dykes, who plays for English second-tier club Queens Park Rangers, on the ground with an apparent knee injury before he left the field on a stretcher.

Lyndon dykes getting stretchered off at training today.#scotlandnationalteam#lyndondykes pic.twitter.com/s3X3Mfokhh

— Amy Allan (@amyallan76) May 31, 2024

The photographs were taken by a member of the public looking down into Glasgow's City Stadium, formerly known as Lesser Hampden, which sits immediately beside Hampden Park – Scotland's national stadium.

Dykes has scored nine goals across 36 internationals and featured in all eight of Scotland's qualifiers, scoring once.

Kobbie Mainoo gives England a different profile of midfield player, manager Gareth Southgate said on Tuesday as he weighs up his options for Euro 2024 after his side salvaged a late 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley.

Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage time to earn an impressive England a 2-2 draw with Belgium after a Youri Tielemans double had threatened a smash-and-grab victory in an entertaining friendly.

Manchester United's Mainoo, 18, who made his debut as a substitute in England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday, impressed again in a midfield three with Bellingham and Arsenal's Declan Rice with a performance that earned strong praise from his manager.

"He gives us a different profile of midfield player to anything else we’ve got and we’re really pleased with what he's done," Southgate said. "You can’t believe his age really.

"His attributes are there for everybody to see, that ability to receive under pressure and ride challenges, to manipulate the ball in tight areas."

Southgate also singled out West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Brentford's Ivan Toney for praise, both of whom may have forced their way into England's 23-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany.

Toney, who started up front in captain Harry Kane's absence, scored England's first equaliser, converting from the penalty spot after being brought down by Jan Vertonghen following excellent build-up play from Mainoo and Bellingham.

"At 18 I was probably playing on the Xbox and he is out there being a man and playing for England," Toney said of Mainoo on Sky Sports News. "He just glides with the ball and I'm sure there's more to come from him and he will go right to the top."

Injuries to several first-team regulars have hampered Southgate's squad, but he acknowledged the benefits of being able to offer other players more game time.

"Definitely some players have emerged positively from the opportunities they've had," he said. "So we’ve perhaps got more depth in one respect, but the injuries are a concern."

Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco said it would have been special had his team held on to their 2-1 halftime lead at Wembley on Tuesday but he had no complaints about the result after Jude Bellingham snatched a stoppage-time equaliser for England.

Two goals by Youri Tielemans either side of an Ivan Toney penalty had the visitors eyeing the win in a clash between the teams ranked third and fourth, despite a stirring England display that ended with a last-gasp leveller.

"With five seconds to go it would have been something very special and fantastic," Tedesco said. "I think that England were really strong, they created many, many chances. You had a feeling from the very beginning that they want to win the second game here (after losing to Brazil on Saturday). That’s why I think the result is OK in the end."

Although they failed to claim a first win in England after six defeats and a previous draw, it did extend Belgium's unbeaten run under Tedesco to 12 games and they, like the hosts, will take much more from Tuesday's high-octane encounter than from their goalless draw with Ireland on Saturday.

"Their speed and one touch is unbelievable, it's not easy against them. They have quality in every position," he said of England.

"But in the first 15 minutes we created our goal and some other chances on the counter-attack. Defensively we controlled it more in the second half but it's not easy to control a team like this for 90 minutes."

Tedesco was asked why he thought Tielemans looked such an accomplished finisher on Tuesday having struggled against Ireland after the Aston Villa man cashed in on England mistakes to score two excellent goals.

"He had more space today than against Ireland," the coach said. "You get that against a team who always want to play.

"Counter-attacking is automatically a weapon and I think we can hurt teams with that - but England have the same weapon.

"But we should have started the game with the same defensive intensity that we showed in the second half."

LEARNING LESSONS 

Tedesco said he was less concerned about the result that extended his unbeaten run than taking lessons from the two matches in this international break.

"We still have to work, to select and take all the information we got out of this camp," he said.

"We hope everyone is fit – we missed Kevin De Bruyne tonight and a few others were not at their physical best.

"We are focused on the first game (of the Euros) against Slovakia and now we know we will also face Ukraine – but it’s step by step."

Algeria and South Africa played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their ‘Fifa Series’ international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Baraki, Algiers, on Tuesday.

The Desert Foxes and Bafana put on a feast of attacking football, headlined by a brace of goals from Themba Zwane and an early contender for the 2024 Puskas Award (prize for best goal of the year) from Yassine Benzia, who opened and closed the scoring on the night.

South Africa made 10 changes compared to the starting XI which faced Andorra last Thursday, with only Thabang Monare retained in the line-up.

And the visitors nearly made a dream start, with Oswin Appollis latching onto Nyiko Mobbie’s low cross from the right flank and firing off a powerful shot which thundered off the crossbar in just the third minute.

South Africa offered further threats on goal via shots from Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, but Algeria claimed the lead in the 22nd minute when Yacine Brahimi fed Yassine Benzia on a counter attack, and the forward sent a left-footed drive through the legs of Grant Kekana and into the bottom corner of the net for 1-0.

Goal of the year contender from 🇩🇿Yassine Benzia

Whaaaat!pic.twitter.com/KOCbNXUKqy

— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) March 26, 2024

Bafana Bafana levelled the game on 34 minutes, with Mokoena winning the ball high up the field and starting a move which ended with Themba Zwane easily turning home Mihlali Mayambela’s low cross for 1-1.

And the Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker scored a brilliant solo goal deep into injury time before the interval, cutting back from the right by-line before firing a left-footed shot beyond the reach of goalkeeper Moustapha Zeghba to see SA lead 2-1 at the break.

Themba Zwane with a bit of magic to give Bafana Bafana the lead 🤩✨

📺 Stream #ALGRSA live: https://t.co/TesYUfo62x pic.twitter.com/kyp1ubxgBI

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 26, 2024

The Desert Foxes struck back in the eighth minute after the restart, capitalising on Ronwen Williams giving away possession, as Benzia turned provider and teed up Brahimi to sweep home an equaliser for 2-2.

South Africa responded with a couple of substitutions and Elias Mokwana, in his first major contribution, cut inside off the right flank and sent a drive into the back of the net via a somewhat unwitting deflection off the head of Iqraam Rayners to see the visitors 3-2 up in the 66th minute.

Yet the lead lasted just four minutes, with Benzia scoring a jaw-dropping equaliser for 3-3.

The Qarabag player flicked up a pass from substitute Monsef Bakrar with his right foot, swivelled and scored with an acrobatic left-footed volley which looped beyond the reach of Williams.

FT | 🇩🇿 ALG 3-3 RSA 🇿🇦

Bafana Bafana and Algeria play out a six-goal thriller in Algiers 💥

Yassine Benzia scores 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 to ensure that the spoils are shared 👇 pic.twitter.com/TqFLaDTNjd

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 26, 2024

The teams traded scoring chances in what remained of the game – including a Mokoena shot which drew a superb save from Zeghba in the 88th minute – but ultimately the match closed with the score at three goals apiece.

The teams will next be in 2026 World Cup qualifying action in June, with Algeria taking on Guinea and Uganda, while South Africa will face Nigeria and Zimbabwe.

Algeria (1) 3 (Benzia 22’, 70’, Brahimi 53’)

South Africa (2) 3 (Zwane 34’, 45+5’, Rayners 66’)

Algeria: Zeghba, Mandi, Madani, Guitone, Ait-Nouri, Aouar (Hadjam 74’), Bentaleb (Zerrouki 46’), Brahimi (Benrahma 67’), Amoura (Kendouci 46’), Benzia (Moussa 74’), Bounedjah (Bakrar 59’)

SA: Williams, Mobbie, Kekana, Xulu, Modiba, Monare (Margeman 63’), Mokoena, Zwane (Mosele 73’), Mayambela (Morena 73’), Appollis (Mokwana 63’), Rayners (Mayo 79’)