Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has been named to the 26-man Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup

 Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has been named to the 26-man Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The reigning European champions are drawn in Group H and will face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, with their opening match scheduled for June 15.

Spain 2026 World Cup Roster

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia.
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Marcos Llorente, Eric Garcia, Pedro Porro, Alex Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsi, Marc Pubill.
Midfielders: Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Gavi, Martin Zubimendi, Alex Baena.
Forwards: Ferran Torres, Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz. 

Group H Match Schedule

• June 15: Spain vs. Cape Verde
• June 21: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
• June 26: Spain vs. Uruguay

2026 Pre-Season Tour: Confirmed Chelsea FC Schedule

 As summer approaches, elite football clubs are preparing for the upcoming campaign. Chelsea FC has officially announced its action-packed 2026 pre-season tour across Asia and Australia.

The Blues are heading east for pre-season for the first time this decade, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch world-class football live. Below is the confirmed schedule of the matches:

Fixture Breakdown Below: 

Australia (Sydney Super Cup)

Tuesday, 28 July: Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Chelsea FC

Saturday, 1 August: Chelsea FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney

Hong Kong (Hong Kong Football Festival)

Wednesday, 5 August: Chelsea FC vs. Juventus

Venue: Kai Tak Stadium

Indonesia (Jakarta)

Saturday, 8 August: Chelsea FC vs. AC Milan

Venue: GBK Stadium, Jakarta

Malaysia (Iskandar Puteri)

Tuesday, 11 August: Johor Darul Ta'zim vs. Chelsea FC

Venue: Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

Baltimore will remain at Chelsea until 2030

 Sandy Baltimore has officially signed a contract extension keeping her at Chelsea until the summer of 2030. The French forward, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain, has been a key player for the Blues.

Key Career Highlights

Initial Signing: Joined Chelsea ahead of the 2024/25 season from PSG.

Breakthrough Season: Made 29 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing six assists during a domestic Treble-winning campaign.

Standout Moment: Scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup final.

Milestone: Reached 50 appearances for Chelsea during her successful 2025/26 campaign.

Chelsea captain Reece James accepts the 2025/26 campaign has been disappointing for the Blues

Chelsea club captain Reece James has opened up about a difficult 2025/26 campaign, acknowledging that the team's performances were simply not up to the club's high standards.

The Blues wrapped up their domestic season with a 2-1 loss on the road against Sunderland. This result cemented a 10th-place finish in the Premier League, meaning Chelsea will not feature in European competitions next term.

Speaking on the team's struggles, the 26-year-old defender emphasized the need for self-reflection.

"We need to digest this season," James said. "It's been far below our standards and we need to review and see where we can improve for next time."

Chelsea team to face Sunderland on the final day of the Premier League

 Calum McFarlane has made three changes to the Chelsea side for our final Premier League game of the season, which sees the Blues face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

We wrap up our 2025/26 campaign on Wearside, where victory for the Blues – coupled with Brighton & Hove Albion failing to beat Manchester United and Brentford not defeating Liverpool by a big margin – would guarantee us a UEFA Europa League place.

Chelsea: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez (c), Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Joao Pedro

Substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Chalobah, James, Essugo, Santos, Derry, Garnacho, Delap

Chelsea are NOT prepared to sell Joao Pedro

 Chelsea have made it crystal clear that João Pedro is untouchable this summer, informing interested clubs that he is not for sale. Despite the Spanish giants' genuine interest, the Blues refuse to entertain any offers, shutting down negotiations completely.

Chelsea view the 24-year-old Brazilian forward as an absolutely vital component of their sporting project and long-term future.

After an outstanding campaign where he established himself as a standout performer at Stamford Bridge, the club considers him too valuable to lose.

Chelsea have internally communicated that no amount of money, not even a world-record bid, will persuade them to alter their stance.

Chelsea are considering bringing Thiago Silva back to the club in a coaching role.

 Chelsea have invited Thiago Silva to become part of the club’s wider structure once he decides to retire. This would not involve a playing return. Instead, the plan would see Silva working as part of Chelsea’s general coaching staff.

(@ESPNBrasil & Bruno Andrade) #CFC

Xabi Alonso is confident he can succeed at Chelsea regardless of today’s result.

While European football could offer a route to silverware, some internally believe a season without Europe may actually help Alonso implement his ideas more effectively with longer training periods and fewer matches.

(@TheAthleticFC) #CFC

Valentin Barco was a deal that was made Pre Xabi Alonso

Chelsea has agreed on a deal for Valentín Barco. Because the agreement was finalized before Xabi Alonso's appointment as manager, it remains to be seen if the versatile Argentine will feature in Alonso's long-term tactical plans for the squad.

Chelsea finalized the signing of Valentín Barco from RC Strasbourg ahead of the upcoming campaign. The deal for the highly-rated Argentine was negotiated before Xabi Alonso was appointed as manager. Moving forward, it will be fascinating to see how Barco’s technical and versatile profile fits into Alonso’s system and squad rotation.

Chelsea agreed on a transfer deal for Valentín Barco, who bid farewell to RC Strasbourg. While this acquisition occurred prior to Xabi Alonso taking the managerial reins at Stamford Bridge, Alonso will now hold final authority over incoming and outgoing players, making Barco's role a major talking point for the summer transfer window.

Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill was left out of World Cup Squad

 Thomas Tuchel on his selection thought process.  "To reduce the 55 was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult... I felt the emotion on the calls. I called all the players who were with us on a camp. A lot of them deserved to be with us.

"We relied heavily on the group that was with us in the last three camps. Does that mean the others aren't good enough? No.

"Some [omissions] were a positional thing. These tough decisions had to be made before the tournament to not carry them through the tournament, and even if it's painful for some, I think it was right.

"It was a lot of phone calls over the last three days, a lot of thinking, deciding, big decisions to make.

"Once the decisions are made, it gives you a certain edge and clarity. I can't wait to be on the plane.

"I love the tough decisions... It's hard to please [everyone]. In the end, we have to pick the squad that me and staff are convinced on, that we love.

"If there are doubts, you don't play at the same level, so it comes down to who we trust. Who will deliver for us?Who will set the standards? Who is the leadership group? It's about the energy, connection and trust with me and the players."

César Azpilicueta confirms his retirement at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has made over 800 appearances for club and country.

Among his honours were two Premier Leagues and the #UCL with Chelsea.

🗣️ “I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.

 

“Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter.  After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.

 

“When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.”

Frank Leboeuf on Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager:

🗣 "It is a great move, I'm very surprised, but what a signing. I know I texted Eghbali, saying what a move, man, I'm so happy, so proud of you, because that was the coach that we needed, and on top of it, it's not going to be only the coach, it's going to be the manager.

So hopefully he's going to get all the control of the recruitment and everything that goes around the field, and I'm sure he's going to be successful. I mean, he showed what he was capable of doing with Bayer Leverkusen; he wasn't able to have the control with Real Madrid, but I want to believe that he will have that with Chelsea.

Finally, the board of Chelsea understood the kind of person they needed to make that team better. So I'm absolutely pleased. I want to congratulate the board for that choice, because that was a perfect choice for me."

Guy Poyet on Alonso to Chelsea:

🗣 "I like this appointment a lot. Alonso knows the Premier League, the appointment is nice and early so he can get to know the players before they go on the break and most will be off to the world cup. 

I am sure he has watched a lot of Chelsea to know the style of play he wants to adopt and what players will be very important for him to deliver this.

With no major European competition for Chelsea, now Champions League is not possible, Alonso can really focus on the Premier League, so for him, it will be a bonus for sure."

Chelsea will face local side Johor Darul Ta'z, the reigning Malaysian Super League champions before the new Premier League Season

Chelsea will face local side Johor Darul Ta'z, the reigning Malaysian Super League champions, at their iconic Sultan Ibrahim Stadium which opened as recently as 2020 and has the capacity for 40,000 fans.

The fixture date of Tuesday 11 August (kick-off 8pm local time) makes this match the final stop on the tour ahead of the Premier League season resuming on Saturday 22 August.

: Liam Delap has scored 0 goals in his last 25 games in all competitions

Chelsea completed a permanent transfer for the young striker, estimated at £30 million, following a breakout season where he scored 12 goals in the Premier League.

 The forward's recent campaign has seen a shift in his statistical output, with a notably lower goal conversion rate across his appearances in various competitions.

Currently navigating a transitional phase in his career, the England youth international continues to adapt to the tactical demands and attacking setups at Stamford Bridge. 

Cole Palmer on Xabi Alonso: "We are all excited. He's a top-notch coach

 Cole Palmer on Xabi Alonso: "We are all excited. He's a top-notch coach, so we're looking forward to getting started with him."

"It shouldn't be the main motivation, but everyone wants to impress the new coach who arrives."

Chelsea hierarchy regret initial action of implementing the wrong model into the club

 Chelsea’s leadership and directors acknowledge this season has “not met the standards, expectations or ambitions.”

“We are clear in our assessment of the campaign as a whole. It began in strong fashion, with the club crowned world champions at the FIFA Club World Cup.

While we are proud of that success, and what it represents for this group, we recognise that the season overall has not met the standards, expectations or ambitions that define Chelsea Football Club.

“We understand the disappointment that brings, and we share it. This is a club that measures itself against the very highest levels, and we know we must do better. 

That responsibility is clear, and it is one we fully accept. The club's supporters expect more, and so do we.”

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been voted the Men's Player of the Season by club supporters

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has been voted the Men's Player of the Season by club supporters, following an impressive debut campaign where he recorded \(20\) goals and \(5\) assists in all competitions.

Chelsea fans have spoken, emphatically voting forward Joao Pedro as their Men's Player of the Season. The Brazilian international secured a massive majority of the votes, reflecting his remarkable debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.

Since his move to West London, Pedro has quickly become a fan favorite. His consistent finishing and attacking threat made him a standout performer throughout the term, capping off an incredible year for the club.

Key Highlights:

Fan Approval: Secured over \(60\%\) of the official supporter poll.

Impactful Stats: Tallied \(20\) goals and \(5\) assists across all competitions.

Key Contributor: Proved to be one of the most clinical forwards for the club this year.

alentin Barco confirms he's leaving Strasbourg this summer. Agreement now in place with Chelsea

 Valentin Barco has confirmed his departure from RC Strasbourg, with a final transfer agreement in place to join Chelsea this summer. The official announcement is expected to be made after the season, as the Blues are currently focused on their campaign to qualify for European competitions.

Key Transfer Updates

• Departure Confirmed: Valentín Barco has publicly said goodbye to Strasbourg supporters ahead of his move to London.
• Chelsea Agreement: The versatile Argentine midfielder has already agreed on personal terms to secure his transfer to Stamford Bridge.
• Strategic Timing: The formal announcement is awaiting the close of the current season while the club remains intensely focused on its English Premier League European qualification race.

Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge was not driven by a pre-existing deal with Manchester City

 Enzo Maresca’s exit from Stamford Bridge was not driven by a pre-existing deal with Manchester City. The Italian manager was only approached by Man City in March, three months after his departure from Chelsea, firmly dismissing claims that he left his previous job because he had already accepted another.

Recent football reports clarify the timeline regarding Enzo Maresca and his departure from Stamford Bridge. Contrary to some speculation, Maresca did not leave the Chelsea job because he had already agreed to take over at Manchester City. Official timelines show he did not receive an offer from Man City until around March—a full three months after his exit from Chelsea.