Yamal's lamine: Trump's wish… 5 things to start Thursday | OneFootball

Thursday begins on a bittersweet note, with news ranging from the euphoria of new titles to maximum concern over the health of star players.

As the schedule tightens, clubs and national teams are starting to play their most decisive matches in the boardrooms and the treatment rooms.

The latest in football is moving between the uncertainty of injuries and geopolitical moves that could change the makeup of the next World Cup. Below, we review the five key points shaping Thursday’s football agenda.

National alarm over Lamine Yamal

All of Spain is anxiously awaiting the results of Lamine Yamal’s medical tests. The young FC Barcelona star had to come off injured after scoring the winning goal against Celta, leaving a worrying image as he left the pitch. With the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, the risk that the national team’s brightest gem could miss the tournament has set off all the alarm bells in Las Rozas.

Italy dreams of Trump’s World Cup

World-shaking news is rattling FIFA headquarters. According to the Financial Times, the Trump Administration has formally suggested to Gianni Infantino the possibility of excluding Iran from the World Cup and giving its place to Italy. This political maneuver, justified by the Azzurra’s footballing "pedigree," seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations with the Italian government, sparking a storm of opinion across international football.

Uncertainty over Militao at Madrid

In the capital, Real Madrid are preparing for their clash with Real Betis with one main doubt: Éder Militao. The Brazilian center-back finished the last match against Alavés with physical discomfort. Álvaro Arbeloa will wait until the very last minute to find out whether he can count on his defensive leader or if he will have to reshuffle the back line for Betis’ demanding visit.

Barça Femení extends its dominance

The good news of the day comes from FC Barcelona Femení, who have been crowned Liga F champions after thrashing Espanyol 1-4 in the Catalan derby. With this win, the Blaugrana claim their seventh consecutive league title, confirming an unquestionable hegemony in Spanish football. Pere Romeu’s team keeps breaking records and is already focused on the Copa de la Reina final and the Champions League.

Earthquake on the Chelsea bench

Patience has run out at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have officially sacked Liam Rosenior after just four months in the job. A run of five straight defeats and a worrying lack of goals were the triggers for a decision that leaves the London club in deep institutional crisis. Calum McFarlane will take charge on an interim basis while the board looks for direction for a project that seems to be drifting.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 JOSEP LAGO - AFP or licensors