Sports
Fenerbahçe walk tightrope in Champions League clash with Feyenoord
With their Champions League aspirations hanging by a thread, Fenerbahçe prepare to host Dutch powerhouse Feyenoord in a pivotal third-round qualifying tie that could define the club’s European fate and intensify the spotlight on head coach Jose Mourinho.
The first leg kicks off Wednesday night at the iconic De Kuip in Rotterdam, while the return leg is set for Aug. 12 at the Chobani Stadium in Istanbul.
The winner of this two-legged clash will face either Club Brugge or Red Bull Salzburg in the playoff round for a place in the Champions League league phase, an elusive stage Fenerbahçe hasn’t reached in over a decade.
This tie pits two sides rich in continental pedigree but desperate to restore their standing among Europe’s elite.
Fenerbahçe, still smarting from a trophyless 2024-25 season, finished a distant second behind archrivals Galatasaray and stumbled out of both the Champions League and Europa League in the early rounds.
Their third-round elimination to Lille last summer, followed by a penalty shootout loss to Rangers in the Europa League knockouts, added to growing discontent in Kadıköy.
Yet under Mourinho, now entering his second season at the helm, there’s renewed belief.
Fenerbahçe’s preseason tour of Portugal featured three straight wins, including a commanding 4-0 demolition of Al-Ittihad.
A narrow 2-1 defeat to Benfica interrupted their momentum, but they bounced back with a confidence-lifting 1-0 win over Lazio in their final tune-up.
The squad may be evolving, but the resolve seems stronger.
Much of that evolution has been driven by Mourinho himself.
Determined to mold the team into his vision, he oversaw several key acquisitions over the summer.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, Leicester full-back Archie Brown, and Wolverhampton right-back Nelson Semedo were all brought in to add steel and flair.
All three are expected to make their competitive debuts against Feyenoord. Duran offers a dynamic presence up front, while Semedo brings defensive assurance and Champions League experience to the backline.
However, injuries continue to complicate Mourinho’s plans. Brazilian center-back Rodrigo Becao remains sidelined with a long-term ACL injury and will miss both legs.
Midfielders Mert Hakan Yandaş and Anderson Talisca are also unavailable due to ongoing recovery programs, limiting the Portuguese manager’s options in the center of the park.
Meanwhile, several players deemed surplus to requirements – including Cengiz Ünder, Miha Zajc, Lincoln, and Emre Mor – have been frozen out, further thinning squad depth.
Off the pitch, Fenerbahçe remain active in the transfer market.
Talks with Inter Milan over Hakan Çalhanoğlu have stalled, but negotiations continue with Benfica for Turkish international Kerem Aktürkoğlu.
The winger’s potential arrival, expected to cost between 20-25 million euros ($23 million-$29 million), could bolster the left flank, though he won’t feature in the first leg.
Lethal strategies
Mourinho is expected to stick with a pragmatic 4-2-3-1 formation, built on structure and counter-attacks.
Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic anchors the goal, while the defensive unit is likely to include Semedo and Milan Skriniar.
In midfield, Brazilian veteran Fred could partner with Dominik Szoboszlai to offer a blend of grit and creativity. Up front, Serbian playmaker Dusan Tadic and Polish attacker Sebastian Szymański will provide service from the flanks.
Though Edin Dzeko was last season’s top scorer, the veteran striker is no longer part of the squad, leaving the center-forward role up for grabs between Duran and Ryan Kent.
Across the touchline, Feyenoord arrive with their own ambitions – and a rising star in the dugout.
Former Dutch international Robin van Persie took over in January 2025 and sparked an immediate transformation.
The team finished third in the Eredivisie and reached the Champions League Round of 16, falling only to Bayern Munich.
Under Van Persie, Feyenoord recorded 22 points and a +18 goal difference in his first eight matches – a remarkable start unmatched in the club’s recent history.
Still, the summer has brought change.
Winger Igor Paixao was sold to Marseille, midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki returned to Twente on loan, and defensive stalwart David Hancko joined Atletico Madrid.
Their departures left holes that Van Persie sought to fill with younger, hungrier talent. Sem Steijn, Luciano Valente, Gaoussou Diarra, Jordan Bos, and Casper Tengstedt have all joined, with Tengstedt in particular drawing attention after scoring seven goals on loan at Hellas Verona last season.
The Dutch side’s preseason was a mixed bag. A win, a draw, and a disrupted match against Wolfsburg – which was abandoned in the 84th minute due to a medical emergency with Feyenoord leading 4-0 – offered glimpses of attacking intent, but also signs of defensive vulnerability.
Van Persie is expected to continue with his favored 4-3-3 setup.
Timon Wellenreuther has earned the nod in goal ahead of Justin Bijlow, whose match fitness remains a concern.
Team captain Quinten Timber is back from a knee injury and will likely control the midfield alongside Valente and creative hub Calvin Stengs.
Up front, Ayase Ueda is tipped to lead the line, though Tengstedt may feature as a substitute. On the wings, Santiago Giménez and promising wide man Anis Hadji Moussa will look to stretch Fenerbahçe’s flanks and expose defensive gaps.
The head-to-head record slightly favors the Turkish giants. In their most recent meetings during the 2016-17 Europa League group stage, Fenerbahçe won both ties, including a stunning 4-0 away victory in Rotterdam. Feyenoord will be desperate to rewrite that script.
The tactical chess match promises to be fascinating. Van Persie’s pressing game and fast transitions could unsettle Fenerbahçe, but it also opens spaces that Mourinho’s counter-attacks thrive on.
Much could hinge on midfield control – where Timber’s vision will be tested by Fred’s physicality – and on whether Feyenoord’s new-look defense can hold firm against Fenerbahçe’s relentless attacking pressure.
For Fenerbahçe, this tie isn’t just about prestige. It’s about validation. Mourinho was hired to restore the club’s European relevance.
Failing to reach the Champions League group stage again would not only sting the fans, but potentially raise questions about the direction of the project.
For Feyenoord, it’s a statement opportunity. Under Van Persie, they’ve taken steps forward. Progressing to the playoff round would affirm that their resurgence is more than just a brief uptick.
The final whistle of Group D will carry sharply different meanings for the United States and Türkiye when they meet at Los Angeles Stadium, with one side already looking ahead to the knockout rounds and the other left to salvage pride after a campaign that has unraveled early.
The journey to California has still drawn attention for the Turkish squad. The Türkiye national football team arrived in Los Angeles after leaving their Arizona base, flying in before boarding team transport to their hotel. The reception was immediate and loud.
Turkish supporters in the city turned out in numbers, lining roads from the airport and later gathering outside the team hotel with flags and convoy-style support that briefly turned the squad’s arrival into a rolling show of backing.
On the pitch, however, the story has been far more difficult.
A 1-0 defeat to Paraguay and an earlier setback have already eliminated Türkiye from contention, exposing a gap between expectation and execution for a side still trying to find a stable identity under Vincenzo Montella.
What once looked like a potential breakout tournament for a young core has instead become a search for answers, especially in attack, where goals have been scarce and momentum has stalled.
Even so, Türkiye’s final outing still carries individual stakes.
Kenan Yıldız is expected to return after a calf strain, offering a boost in creativity and forward thrust. Hakan Çalhanoğlu stands on the edge of history, level with Tuncay Şanlı on 22 international goals and within reach of third place on the nation’s all-time scoring list.
In goal, Uğurcan Çakır is approaching another milestone among Türkiye’s most capped clean-sheet keepers, while Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Arda Güler continue to represent the attacking promise that briefly surfaced in flashes during the campaign.
Across the field, the United States have been the opposite story: efficient, aggressive, and already through. The USMNT have secured top spot in the group after two wins, including a controlled 2-0 result over Australia that confirmed their place in the last 16 with a game to spare.
That early qualification has shifted the focus from survival to momentum. A third straight win would set a new World Cup record for the US program, marking the first time they have ever opened a tournament with three consecutive victories. It would also further strengthen Mauricio Pochettino’s influence, as the Argentine coach seeks to build a tournament identity rooted in pressing intensity and fast transitions.
Even without captain Christian Pulisic for extended spells during the group stage, the Americans have shown balance in attack. Their ability to strike early has stood out, scoring inside the first 15 minutes in both matches, a rare achievement for a host nation at this level of competition. Their aggressive pressing numbers have also been among the highest in the tournament, reflecting a side willing to take risks without the ball and compress space high up the pitch.
The US also enter the match with strategic decisions to make. Several players, including Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, sit one yellow card away from suspension, increasing the likelihood of rotation. Balogun remains a key subplot in attack, chasing a rare scoring milestone for an American forward in World Cup history.
There is also the matter of squad management and rhythm. With qualification already secured, the coaching staff must balance continuity with caution, ensuring key players are fresh for the knockout stage while avoiding a drop in intensity that has defined their group-stage performances so far.
History between the two sides adds another layer. The United States defeated Türkiye 2-1 in a friendly in 2014, while Türkiye claimed victory in their most recent meeting last year, keeping the head-to-head relatively balanced. This time, however, the context is entirely different, with one side playing for legacy within a tournament and the other playing for survival within reputation.
Erling Haaland powered Norway into the World Cup round of 32, scoring twice as the Vikings battled past Senegal 3-2 on Monday night in a match that demanded far more grit than glamour.
The prolific striker increased his tournament tally to four goals, continuing his remarkable scoring run as Norway secured their place in the knockout stage.
“It’s my specialty to score goals,” Haaland said. “I’m just really good at scoring goals.”
After the final whistle, Norway’s players and staff gathered in front of their supporters behind the north goal at MetLife Stadium to celebrate in trademark fashion. With Haaland seated at the front and captain Martin Odegaard beating a bongo drum, the squad joined fans in performing the famous Viking Row, chanting “Ro!” while mimicking rowing motions.
“It was fun,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said through an interpreter. “We will not be rowing after the World Cup, but it can be a nice tradition during the tournament.”
Norway took the lead in the 43rd minute when substitute Marcus Pedersen struck shortly after coming on for an injured teammate. Haaland then took control after halftime, finding the net in the 48th and 58th minutes to stretch the advantage to 3-1 and put the Vikings firmly on course for the knockout rounds.
“He’s very efficient,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said through an interpreter.
Haaland ran onto Martin Odegaard’s pass and put a left-footed shot past the outstretched left hand of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, capping an end-to-end counterattack for a 2-0 lead.
For his second goal, Haaland tunneled through the defense and, 8 yards out, raised his weaker right foot to volley in Patrick Berg’s pass. Haaland raised a hand to his ear to inspire Norway’s supporters.
Haaland has 24 goals in his last 12 international games, scoring at least once in every match, and 59 goals in 52 international appearances. The 25-year-old striker joined England’s Harry Kane in 2018 as the only players in the last 50 years with two-goal games in both of their first two World Cup appearances.
He is second in the Golden Boot race, one behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi and tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe. Haaland nearly got another in first-half stoppage time, hitting a post after Mendy lost control of the ball.
“He did miss an open goal. He could have scored even four,” Solbakken said. “He is the best striker. He is not playing for France or Argentina. He scores for Norway.”
Ismaila Sarr scored both goals for the Lions of Teranga, in the 53rd minute and the third minute of second-half stoppage time.
“If we had played just slightly worse, then we would be in trouble,” Solbakken said.
Making its first World Cup appearance since 1998, Norway (2-0) is assured of advancing from Group I along with France. The Vikings need to beat Les Bleus on Friday for first place and what would appear to be an easier path through the knockout bracket.
Senegal is 0-2 in a World Cup for the first time and needs a win over Iraq (0-2) to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.
“We’ve got everything left to play for,” Thiaw said.
Pedersen entered in the 13th minute for his World Cup debut after Julian Ryerson could not play through what Solbakken said was a nagging injury, and Pedersen put the Vikings ahead with the help of mistakes by Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Mendy.
Odegaard made a centering pass that Koulibaly cleared straight to Pedersen at the top of the arc. Pedersen took two touches and sent a savable shot inside the near post that glanced off Mendy’s left hand and into the goal.
Mendy left in the 63rd minute because of an injury.
While there had been storm warnings, a downpour stopped more than 3 1/2 hours before kickoff. The skies opened again after the final whistle, prompting announcements for fans to leave the stadium bowl and move to sheltered areas.
“Let’s be happy,” Haaland said, “every single Norwegian on the planet today.”
Brazil head into their final Group C match at the 2026 World Cup with qualification control in their hands, while Scotland arrive in Miami still chasing a breakthrough that has eluded them for generations, setting up a high-stakes meeting at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have done what was required so far, opening with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before producing a more complete display in a 3-0 win over Haiti.
Matheus Cunha’s brace and a sharp finish from Vinicius Junior underlined Brazil’s attacking range, while Lucas Paqueta’s influence between the lines gave balance to a performance that combined control with speed in transition.
The result also reinforced a familiar trend for the five-time champions, who have now scored three or more goals in 41 World Cup matches, more than any other nation.
Despite that statistical dominance, Selecao’s path has not been without unease.
Their opening draw exposed moments of vulnerability, and history offers a warning sign: their last three World Cup group-stage defeats have all come on matchday three.
Even so, the equation is simple. Match or better Morocco’s result against Haiti and Brazil finish top of Group C. Anything less tightens the margin and opens the door to complication.
Scotland enter the fixture with less control but more urgency. Steve Clarke’s team began their campaign with a disciplined 1-0 win over Haiti, but a narrow defeat to Morocco exposed their limits in attack.
An early strike from Ismael Saibari decided the contest inside 70 seconds, and Scotland failed to register a shot on target despite periods of second-half pressure. Clarke defended the performance, pointing to competitiveness against elite opposition, yet the lack of cutting edge remains the central concern.
Their World Cup history only sharpens the challenge. Scotland have never reached the knockout stage in eight previous appearances and have never beaten Brazil in eight meetings, losing six and drawing two.
Three of those defeats came at World Cup finals, including a 2-1 loss in 1998 during Brazil’s run to the title match.
The path forward remains open but narrow. Victory would guarantee a top-two finish and automatic progression.
A draw would likely be enough for a place in the expanded knockout rounds. Even defeat could be survivable depending on goal difference, but it would leave Scotland vulnerable in a tightly packed group.
Selection issues add another layer for Clarke. Scott McKenna, Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson have all been managed carefully due to fitness concerns, though Ferguson is expected to remain central in midfield if cleared.
Clarke is likely to keep his flexible structure, alternating between a back three and a back four depending on Brazil’s pressure.
John McGinn and Scott McTominay are expected to operate in advanced midfield roles, supporting Che Adams, who is battling for his place up front.
Canarinhos’ selection picture has shifted slightly.
Raphinha is out after a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Haiti, forcing adjustments on the right side.
Teenage winger Rayan is the leading candidate to replace him.
Neymar has returned to full availability after injury, though he is expected to start on the bench as Brazil continue to rely on Vinicius Junior and Matheus Cunha as their primary attacking threat. Paqueta is expected to remain the central connector in Ancelotti’s system.
At the back, Brazil are likely to stick with a settled unit featuring Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes and Douglas Santos, shielded by Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
The structure has provided stability, but the real test will be whether it can withstand Scotland’s direct pressure and set-piece threat in a match where margins are expected to be thin.
Lionel Messi broke another World Cup milestone on Monday night while wearing a jersey unlike any other on the pitch, as Argentina defeated Austria in Group J and the veteran forward extended his place in football history.
The 38-year-old Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, moving past Germany’s Miroslav Klose after netting his 17th and 18th goals in the competition during a 2-0 win over Austria.
The landmark strike came in a match that began with frustration, as Messi missed an early penalty, before ending with another decisive display of his enduring influence on the global stage.
What set the night apart visually was his shirt. Unlike any other player at the tournament, Messi wore a customized jersey featuring four FIFA-issued commemorative patches.
The design included a FIFA World Champions badge honoring Argentina’s 2022 triumph, a gold tournament sleeve badge reserved for former world champions, a Legacy patch marking his sixth World Cup appearance, and a Golden Ball patch recognizing his player-of-the-tournament award in Qatar.
The record-breaking goal arrived in the 38th minute, finishing a move that exposed space in Austria’s defensive line and showcased the timing that has defined his career. He added a second in stoppage time, sealing both the match and his place alone at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts with 18 goals, surpassing Klose’s long-standing mark of 16.
Messi’s journey to this moment spans two decades at the World Cup. He debuted in 2006 as a teenager and scored on his first appearance, becoming Argentina’s youngest player at the tournament. Now in his sixth edition, a record for any player, he continues to produce decisive moments deep into his career.
His 2022 campaign remains his defining chapter, leading Argentina national football team to the title with seven goals and three assists. This time, he has already shown similar sharpness, including a hat trick earlier in the tournament against Algeria, reinforcing his status as the focal point of Argentina’s attack.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick had warned his side about Messi’s ability to find space even in tightly structured systems. Those concerns proved accurate, as Argentina controlled key phases despite a missed penalty that briefly silenced the crowd.
Messi later described the match as tense and demanding, stressing the intensity of World Cup football at this stage of his career. With his 39th birthday approaching, this tournament is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance, though his form continues to suggest otherwise.
Even after winning the sport’s biggest prize, multiple Ballon d’Or awards, and redefining expectations over two decades, Messi continues to add layers to his legacy. This latest night, defined by both history and a unique jersey detail, only reinforced how central he remains to football’s biggest stage.
Kylian Mbappe later equaled Klose’s previous record of 16 goals, but the night belonged entirely to Messi, who now stands alone at the summit.
Lionel Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals on Monday to break the tournament’s all-time scoring record and lead Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Austria, sealing the defending champions’ place in the last 32.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had an early opportunity to make history after Lautaro Martínez won a penalty in the ninth minute, but Messi dragged his spot kick wide of the post.
Austria, marshaled by veteran defender David Alaba, frustrated Argentina for much of the first half, with Messi denied on several occasions before finally breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada allowed Facundo Medina’s pass to run through, leaving Messi to calmly finish past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Austria pushed for an equalizer after the break, but Argentina remained in control as the South Americans moved closer to securing their place in the knockout rounds.
Messi wrapped up the victory deep into stoppage time, reacting quickest after a scramble in the penalty area to force the ball over the line and score his second of the night.
The goal moved him clear of Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the outright leading scorer in World Cup history and also saw him surpass Brazilian legend Marta as the top scorer across men’s and women’s World Cup tournaments combined.
Messi’s late strike extended his scoring streak to six consecutive World Cup matches, further cementing his place among the game’s greatest players as Argentina continue their title defense.
Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez has reached a new career milestone, climbing to No. 54 in the latest WTA rankings, the highest position ever achieved by a Turkish woman in singles and a reflection of her steady rise on the professional circuit.
The 24-year-old gained seven places in the updated standings following a productive grass-court swing, highlighted by her run at the Lexus Nottingham Open.
There, Sönmez produced one of her most significant wins of the season, defeating second seed Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, a result that underlined her growing confidence against top-ranked opposition.
She advanced to the second round before being edged out in a tightly contested three-set match by Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic.
The ranking surge pushed Sönmez beyond her previous personal best of No. 59, set earlier in 2026 after strong performances during the clay-court swing, including the WTA 1000 event in Rome. It also extended her standing as the leading figure in Turkish women’s tennis, building on the benchmark once held by Çağla Büyükakçay.
Sönmez’s progress this season has been shaped by consistency rather than isolated breakthroughs. She has remained a steady presence in main draws across multiple surfaces, compiling a positive win-loss record and strengthening her position inside the WTA top tier. Her 2026 campaign has also included a notable victory over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, further evidence that she is capable of challenging established names on the tour.
Her improvement on grass has been particularly significant. The surface, often a difficult adjustment for players who build their games on clay or hard courts, has instead become a platform for Sönmez to accelerate her rise, with her Nottingham performance serving as a key ranking catalyst ahead of the Wimbledon Championships.
Beyond individual events, Sönmez has also contributed to Türkiye’s national efforts in the Billie Jean King Cup, adding experience in high-pressure match environments that have translated into more composed performances on tour.
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